New Scottish Tory Leader Russell Findlay Vows to Transform Party
Russell Findlay has been elected as the new leader of the Scottish Conservatives, pledging to revitalize the party and "win back public trust." The former journalist triumphed over Murdo Fraser and Meghan Gallacher in a ballot of party members following Douglas Ross's resignation during the general election campaign.
Findlay, who has represented the West of Scotland as an MSP since 2021 and served as the party's justice spokesman, expressed his commitment to addressing the concerns of voters who feel alienated by the "fringe obsessions" of the Scottish Parliament. He emphasized the need for unity within the party after a "bruising" campaign that saw allegations of interference from some candidates.
Out of 6,941 eligible party members, 4,155 voted, resulting in a turnout of 60%. Findlay garnered 2,565 votes, while Fraser received 1,187 and Gallacher 403.
"We must start the hard work now to win back public trust," Findlay stated. "I want to be a voice for the decent, mainstream values of hard work and self-reliance."
As the new leader prepares for a busy schedule—including a speech at the 25th anniversary of devolution and engagements at the Conservative Party conference—he aims to reshape the party's image and approach.
Findlay’s opponents congratulated him on social media, with Fraser calling for unity and collaboration. However, criticism came from SNP MSP Kevin Stewart, who accused Findlay of lacking a genuine commitment to Scotland's interests, suggesting that the party remains divided.
Scottish Labour’s deputy leader, Dame Jackie Baillie, pointed out that simply changing leaders wouldn’t suffice to halt the party’s decline, which has seen the Conservatives struggling in recent elections.
The leadership change follows Douglas Ross’s controversial decision to step down as leader while campaigning for a Westminster seat, further fueling tensions within the party as it seeks to recover from its historically low voter support.
