The Scottish Conservative leader has stated that some individuals claiming benefits for mental health conditions, even those with a formal diagnosis, do not necessarily require financial assistance to live their lives. Russell Findlay argued that Scotland's benefit system is currently 'wide open to abuse'.
Findlay's Remarks on Benefits and NHS Funding
Speaking to the Press Association on Monday, Findlay outlined his party's priorities. 'We would guarantee more funding for the NHS, but unlike the SNP who want to waste middle management and pen pushers we would put all the focus on frontline first. More GPs, more nurses, more doctors in our hospitals, and that would include more money for mental health provision,' he said.
On benefits, he clarified: 'If someone has a genuine incapacity who's requiring a benefit to help live their lives we want them to have that support. Nobody is saying otherwise. But right now, the system is wide open to abuse. You're getting people claiming for mental health conditions without a medical diagnosis and in many cases, even with a diagnosis, they don't need that money to live their lives.'
Findlay referenced a specific case involving a high-profile SNP candidate, now former candidate, who was ordered to repay £20,000 of benefits they were not entitled to.
Reaction from Mental Health Experts
His comments come as the chair of the Royal College of Psychiatrists in Scotland warned that the country is 'failing some of its most unwell citizens'. The Royal College's election manifesto calls for parity between mental and physical health in funding, access, and accountability.
Campaign Context
Findlay made the remarks while campaigning in Edinburgh with Edinburgh South Western candidate Sue Webber, in the final days before the Holyrood elections. The SNP has repeatedly stated that if they gain a majority, they will push for another independence referendum.
Findlay added that the Scottish Conservatives will use the final days of campaigning to 'defend Scotland's place in the Union'. He said: 'In the capital, like Scotland as a whole, regional list votes for the Scottish Conservatives were crucial to denying the SNP a majority in 2016 and 2021. The same applies in 2026. And it's more important than ever that people vote for us on that peach ballot, with John Swinney promising to push for another divisive referendum if he wins a majority. Only Scottish Conservative MSPs can be trusted to defend Scotland's place in the Union and stand up for common-sense policies, like a crackdown on dangerous e-bikes on our streets, which Sue Webber has championed.'
The SNP has been approached for comment.
