Monmouth AM Nick Ramsay has broken rank with Welsh Conservatives leadership after deciding to back Britain staying in the European Union.

The Conservative AM said last week he would join Prime Minister Cameron by voting to remain, as Welsh Tory leader Andrew RT Davies controversially opted to leave the EU.

“I have fought long and hard about this vital question and believe that, on balance, the financial and security interests of the UK, Wales and Monmouthshire are best protected by staying in,” he said.

The Tory AM argued that rural communities like Monmouthshire benefitted from EU membership, and he would be voting to protect local farmers and their interests.

“Our rural communities - particularly our farming industry - benefit significantly from our membership and I have yet to see evidence of how the support they currently receive will be replaced in the event of an exit.”

He added the vote, which is held on June 23 this year, was a ‘huge decision’ for Monmouthshire and the rest of the country.

Mr Ramsay said his concerns for the rural community would also take centre stage during May’s Assembly elections, before the crucial EU referendum.

“The Welsh Labour Government have made a number of appalling decisions which have damaged our communities. This year’s appalling 3% cut to Monmouthshire County Council’s budget, to plans to abolish our county altogether, in favour of a larger, distant and less democratic structure.

“These are the issues of immediate concern to the people of Monmouthshire and these are the issues I will be fighting on in the coming election,” he said.