Russell Findlay, a former crime reporter, has been elected as the next leader of the Scottish Conservatives following a turbulent period for the party. Findlay, a relatively new member of the Scottish Parliament, secured 2,565 votes in the first round of the leadership contest, defeating party veteran Murdo Fraser and former deputy leader Meghan Gallacher. The election was triggered by the resignation of Douglas Ross after a rebellion over his decision to replace a popular candidate in a general election seat.
Findlay has acknowledged that the Scottish Conservatives face a significant threat from Reform UK, which won 5,562 votes in the Aberdeenshire North and Moray East constituency, contributing to Ross losing his Westminster seat. Polling by Savanta suggests that a third of Conservative voters in the 2024 general election believe the party lost because it was not right-wing enough.
The leadership contest was marked by infighting and accusations of dirty tricks, including a renewed feud between former leader Ruth Davidson and Fraser over his past proposals for a breakaway Scottish party. Findlay, who was endorsed by Davidson, will address the UK party's annual conference in Birmingham on Sunday.
