Nick Bourne told delegates to look to recent successes

Nick Bourne said the Tories - without a single MP in Wales since 1997 - could turn things around.

"The challenge for Welsh Conservatives is to build on the excellent assembly results in future elections," Mr Bourne told the conference in Blackpool.

"We were the only party to increase its share of the vote in every electoral region and our share of the vote increased in 35 out of 40 constituencies."

The party will set up a new Welsh policy forum to help it devise new vote-winning ideas, it has also been confirmed.

It will be run by Mr Bourne, but will also have input from outside Cardiff Bay and will be "permanent".

The forum will work alongside existing policy groups on public services and the Welsh language, culture and communities.

Mr Bourne said: "It will also receive suggestions from outside bodies and from distinguished Welsh Conservatives like Lord Roberts, Lord Griffiths, Jonathan Evans and Nigel Evans."

Tory candidate Felix Aubel wants a full Welsh parliament

Mr Bourne used his speech to accuse the Labour assembly government of wasting taxpayers' money.

"People all over Wales have deep concerns about waste," he said.

"Anxiety at the way Labour is squandering millions of pounds, desperately needed at the front line in the public services."

He repeated his often-made claim that Labour should concentrate on reducing waiting lists rather than spending cash on the new assembly building currently under construction in Cardiff Bay.

"The numbers waiting over 18 months for hospital treatment has risen by 760%{since 1999}.This should be a top priority, not a new assembly building," said Mr Bourne.

He is facing calls within his own party for the assembly to have more powers.

Felix Aubel, the party's prospective parliamentary candidate in Brecon and Radnorshire, is urging the party to press for a Welsh parliament.

'Toothless'

He said: "If you press these die-hard devolution sceptics, and remove the hopeless position of abolition, they will say if we've got an assembly... we would rather have an assembly which works.

"And if that means having a full Welsh parliament, better that than this toothless talking shop."

Some Tories with assembly experience are trying to spread their wings and stand for the party as MPs.

Last month David Davies, the Monmouth AM and the only Tory to win his seat by the traditional first-past-the-post method, was selected to stand for Westminster at the next general election.

Fellow AM Alun Cairns has also been trying to get a parliamentary nomination, but recently failed to be selected as the prospective candidate in Clwyd West.

Mr Bourne said Welsh Tories were determined to make the assembly work but also pointed out the different aspects of devolution faced the country.

"Welsh culture, for example, including the Welsh language is just one of the areas which concerns all parts of Wales," he said.