Russell Findlay voted leader of the Scottish Conservatives

Russell Findlay, the MSP for West Scotland, saw off competition from Murdo Fraser and Meghan Gallacher.

Russell Findlay has been elected the new leader of the Scottish Conservatives.

The MSP saw off competition from Murdo Fraser and Meghan Gallacher in the bruising battle to replace Douglas Ross. Mr Findlay won with 2,565 votes on a turnout of 60 per cent. Mr Fraser placed second with 1,187 votes, while Ms Gallacher claimed third with 403 votes.

The announcement comes ahead of the UK Conservative Party revealing Rishi Sunak’s successor on November 2.

Following his win, Mr Findlay said he “greatly” respected and valued his fellow candidates.

“Now, everyone in our party must come together as one united team,” he said. “Let’s start the hard work right now - today - to win back public trust. And I want to deliver a message directly to people across Scotland who don’t feel anyone represents them.

“People who are scunnered by the divisive policies and fringe obsessions of the Scottish parliament, who feel let down and failed by politicians of every party - including ours., who think politicians are all the same. If you feel that way, I get it. But I am not the same. I’m not a career politician.”

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Findlay said he understood voters’ “frustration”. The Paisley Daily Express columnist added: “Under my leadership the Scottish Conservatives are going to change. We will work hard to earn your trust by doing things differently.

“We will be a voice for decent, mainstream Scotland and for the values of hard work, self-reliance and fairness for taxpayers. We’ll spend all our time and energy on your concerns, your hopes and your needs. We know you don’t expect miracles from politicians. We know you just want some common sense, for a change. And we are determined to deliver it.”

Six Scottish Tory MSPs initially announced bids to succeed Mr Ross, who will continue in his role as MSP for the Highlands and Islands. Brian Whittle, Liam Kerr and Jamie Greene dropped out of the race ahead of the ballot and threw their support behind Mr Fraser.

Mr Findlay, Mr Fraser and Ms Gallacher each secured the 100 nominations required to continue and took part in hustings across Scotland as they sought to convince party members why they were the best person for the job.

Douglas Ross said it had been an “honour and a privilege” to lead the Scottish Tories since 2020, adding: “Many congratulations to Russell Findlay on his election and to everyone who put themselves forward to make this an engaging contest. I look forward to supporting Russell and his team going forward.”

Rival Gallacher posted on social media: “Congratulations to Russell Findlay on his election as leader of the Scottish Tories. The membership has spoken resoundingly and we must all unite as a team as we approach the next Holyrood election. Job well done.”

Fraser added: “Congratulations to Russell Findlay on his election as leader of the Scottish Tories. I look forward to working with him to deliver the change that our party and Scotland needs. Thanks to all our members who supported me, but now is the time to unite as a team and move forward together.”

Mr Findlay has been the MSP for West Scotland since 2021 and is currently the party’s justice spokesperson at Holyrood. He has worked as a journalist for STV News, the Scottish Sun and our sister title, the Sunday Mail.

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