Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay has issued a stark warning to voters, urging them not to end up with 'serious buyer's remorse' by inadvertently allowing the SNP to retain power in tomorrow's Holyrood election. He cautioned that a surge in support for Nigel Farage's Reform UK could split the pro-Union vote, potentially enabling First Minister John Swinney to cling to power.
Threat of SNP majority or 'Bute House 2'
Mr Findlay highlighted the danger of an SNP majority or a renewed alliance with the 'extremist' Scottish Greens, describing a potential 'Bute House 2' deal as akin to a horror movie sequel. He acknowledged that some pro-UK voters may consider tactical voting on the constituency ballot but urged them to 'stick with us' on the peach regional list ballot paper.
Speaking in an interview with the Mail, Mr Findlay insisted he is committed for the long haul and claimed there is 'not a chance' he will step down as Scottish Tory leader when full results are announced on Saturday.
Final campaign push
As political leaders prepare for the last day of campaigning, Mr Findlay issued a final battle cry to pro-Union voters. He stressed that Mr Swinney 'is not bluffing' about pushing for another independence referendum if he remains in power, and believes voters are increasingly aware of the 'nightmare scenario' of an SNP majority.
On the threat from Reform UK, which some polls suggest could come second, Mr Findlay said: 'I completely understand why people feel so disillusioned with politics, and Reform are trying to be all things to all people but offering simple solutions to complex problems. But much worse than that is they are pretending to be a Unionist party – they cannot be trusted on the Union.'
He added: 'A vote for Reform is going to result in all likelihood in the SNP winning constituencies where they otherwise wouldn't win them, and that's why the peach ballot paper is more important this year than it even was in 2021.'
Tactical voting guide
The Mail has published a detailed tactical voting guide with Scotland in Union, showing Labour is best-placed in 47 constituencies, the Conservatives in 16, and the Liberal Democrats in 10. Mr Findlay acknowledged that people may vote tactically but urged them to support the Scottish Conservatives on the regional list.
'We are the party at Holyrood for a decade-plus who have rattled the SNP's cages. We've seen off John Swinney, we've seen off Nicola Sturgeon, we've seen off some of their barmiest laws including Nicola Sturgeon's outrageous gender self-ID which would have trashed women's rights in Scotland,' he said.
'But all of our good work is actually in peril if people vote Reform. Because if John Swinney gets a majority or it's a resurrection of the worst horror movie in history – Bute House 2 – then god help Scotland.'
Other leaders' pitches
First Minister John Swinney will claim that an SNP majority 'ensures that we can support people with the cost of living, it locks Nigel Farage out of power in Scotland, and it delivers the fresh start of independence'. Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar will say: 'Tomorrow, Scotland faces a simple choice: more of the same with John Swinney and the SNP, or change with Scottish Labour. The poison of Reform, or a better future for our country.'
A Reform UK spokesman responded: 'Russell Findlay's comments are a tired attempt to scare voters into sticking with the same parties that have failed them for years. It's clear from the polls the old Westminster parties are irrelevant in Scotland. The only way to end the SNP's stranglehold on May 7th is to vote Reform UK.'
