Russell Findlay has said he will continue as Scottish Conservative leader for as long as he can make a difference, despite a YouGov poll predicting the party could lose 24 seats in the Scottish Parliament election. The poll suggests the Tories could drop from 31 to seven seats, making them the smallest party.
Speaking in Edinburgh, Mr Findlay acknowledged the party faced a difficult path after the 2024 general election defeat. '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,' he said.
He outlined his plan to 'grow the economy, to reward aspiration, not tax it, and to bring down the benefits bill'. Mr Findlay added: '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.'
On the final day of campaigning, Mr Findlay warned that the election was on a 'knife edge', accusing SNP leader John Swinney of 'arrogantly' claiming victory and demanding another independence referendum. He urged voters to back the Scottish Conservatives to stop an SNP majority.
SNP candidate Emma Harper responded by saying only the SNP could prevent Nigel Farage's Reform UK from gaining influence, and that John Swinney's leadership was focused on improving the NHS, tackling the cost-of-living crisis, and offering hope through independence.
