Russell Findlay has declared he will continue as Scottish Conservative leader for as long as he believes he can make a difference, as pre-election polls indicate potential heavy losses for the party.
Poll predictions
A recent YouGov poll suggests the Scottish Tories could see their seats in the Scottish Parliament plummet from 31 to just seven, making them the smallest party. Speaking to the Press Association in Edinburgh, Mr Findlay addressed concerns over the party's prospects.
“Look, there’s all sorts of speculation. I’ve said all along that I’ll continue doing this job for as long as I and people in my party think I can make a difference,” he said.
“We suffered a terrible result in the general election in 2024 – both Kemi Badenoch and I knew that it would not be a quick fix. We have to rebuild public trust.”
Rebuilding trust
Mr Findlay acknowledged past mistakes and outlined his party’s plan to regain voter confidence. “We had to hold our hands up where we got things wrong and we had to show people that we’ve got a plan… to grow the economy, to reward aspiration, not tax it, and to bring down the benefits bill. That’s what we have been doing.”
“It may not be quick, but I’m sure when people give us a fair hearing they’ll see that our party can be trusted,” he added.
Final campaign push
On the last day of campaigning before the election, Mr Findlay met supporters at Calton Hill in Edinburgh. He described the election outcome as being on a “knife edge”.
“We’re here today on the top of Calton Hill because we have a message for the people of Scotland with 24 hours to go until the election, and it’s on a knife edge,” he said.
“John Swinney is arrogantly telling everyone that not only has he won this election, but that he’s going to win by a majority, and with that he’ll start immediately demanding another independence referendum.”
“This is the last thing the people of Scotland want and it’s the last thing that Scotland needs.”
“What we would do is stop that majority, and people across Scotland can do so the way they did in 2016 and 2021, and that’s by backing the Scottish Conservatives on their peach-coloured ballot paper.”
SNP response
Emma Harper, the SNP candidate for Galloway and West Dumfries, countered: “Only the SNP can stop Farage at the border while the Westminster parties line up to do a grubby deal with Reform.”
“John Swinney’s trusted and reliable leadership is on Scotland’s side, firmly fixed on driving improvements in our NHS, the cost-of-living crisis and offering people hope through a fresh start with independence – while the Westminster parties want to stop us.”
“Only an SNP majority can lock out Nigel Farage and unlock independence.”
