Veteran Tory MSP Issues Stark Warning Over Reform UK's Rise
Liz Smith, a veteran Conservative MSP who is stepping down after nearly two decades at Holyrood, has issued a stark warning that "extremist" Reform UK could replace the Scottish Tories as the official opposition in the Scottish Parliament. In a candid interview ahead of the May election, Smith admitted deep concerns within her party about rebuilding trust with voters, while reflecting on her career and the challenges facing Scottish politics.
Concerns Over Electoral Trust and Reform's Challenge
Smith, who has served as an MSP for 19 years, acknowledged that polls showing Reform UK potentially becoming Holyrood's second-largest party are "a worry to me." She revealed that there are significant concerns among Scottish Conservatives about how to reconnect with the electorate, stating, "I'm not breaking anybody's confidence by saying there are concerns within the Scottish Conservatives about how we rebuild trust with the electorate, because the polls are showing that we are not doing that just now."
Despite these challenges, Smith denied that her party has shifted to the right in response to Nigel Farage's popularity or Reform UK's influence. She insisted that the Conservatives have not copied Reform's language and behaviour, which she described as "extremist." "I don't actually think that's correct," she told the Press Association, urging voters to examine party policies instead.
Reflections on Party Decline and Leadership
Smith expressed her biggest regret as the decline of the Scottish Conservatives since the leadership of Ruth Davidson, who led the party to historic success. "My biggest regret is that the Conservatives have never been a bit stronger," she said, praising Davidson's ability to grow the party's appeal across the electorate, particularly during the referendum period.
She contrasted this with the current situation, noting, "This is the very first time we've had the right challenging us, and quite an extremist right." Smith explained that this has forced the party to reassess its stance on key issues like migration and social values, where it faces challenges from both the right and left.
Call for Political Reform and Respectful Culture
Beyond electoral concerns, Smith called for substantive reforms to improve Holyrood's functioning. She urged the next Scottish Government to take warnings about the country's finances "seriously," citing reports of a potential £5 billion financial black hole by 2030. Smith also highlighted the need for social security reforms and elected committee conveners to enhance parliamentary efficiency.
Emphasising the need for a more respectful political culture, Smith pointed to the recent Assisted Dying Bill as a positive example. "I would like to see that style of politics be part of the next Parliament," she said, "rather than the division and the rancour and some of the silliness that we tend to get. I don't think that's what the public wants. I think they want a better parliament."
Personal Achievements and Future Hopes
Despite her regrets, Smith leaves Holyrood on a high note, having recently secured cross-party support for her outdoor education Bill, which she will help implement even after leaving frontline politics. As a former teacher, she stressed the importance of practical reforms and urged the next intake of MSPs to focus on restoring public confidence in the political system.
Smith's warnings come at a critical juncture for Scottish politics, with the May election poised to test the resilience of traditional parties against emerging challengers like Reform UK.
