Michael Howard was brought up in Llanelli

The first part of his two-day trip has taken him to the Welsh assembly to meet his Conservative colleagues.

He will then go on to Llanelli where he was brought up.

The Gorseinon-born former Home Secretary was announced as the new leader in November.

Mr Howard became the prime candidate for the leadership of the party following a vote of no confidence in Iain Duncan Smith.

I am thrilled to be going back to the community where I grew up and to visit my school Michael Howard

He was announced Conservative Party leader after no other candidates came forward.

During his visit he met the leader of the Conservatives in the assembly, Nick Bourne.

Speaking prior to his visit, Mr Howard said it was fantastic - but no coincidence - that his first visit outside London since becoming Conservative Party Leader was to Wales.

"My childhood in Llanelli did so much to shape the rest of my life. I am thrilled to be going back to the community where I grew up and to visit my school," he said.