The Scottish Conservative Party, founded in 1912, is facing internal turmoil as its leadership contest unfolds. Jackson Carlaw, a former party leader, has issued a stark warning to feuding factions within the party, urging them to "wind their necks in" to ensure unity for the upcoming 2026 Holyrood election.
Carlaw expressed concern about the "toxic" atmosphere surrounding the contest, which threatens to undermine the party's ability to present a united front. The Scottish Conservatives, who have never held a majority in the Scottish Parliament since its establishment in 1999, currently hold 31 seats in Holyrood.
"I am appealing to people as a former leader, and as the oldest Conservative MSP, as someone who has not declared for any of the candidates, who is not tribally aligned, for people to wind their necks in now and allow the balance of this election to be conducted without further rancour and to be prepared to work together on the other side of it."
The leadership race has been marred by allegations of misconduct. Meghan Gallacher, the only female candidate, filed a formal complaint against John Lamont, the shadow Scottish secretary, accusing him of threatening her political career. Lamont has vehemently denied these allegations and threatened legal action if the claims are not withdrawn.
This internal strife comes at a critical time for the party, which has never held the position of First Minister of Scotland. The Scottish Conservatives, officially known as the Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, have been the official opposition in the Scottish Parliament from 2016 to 2021.
The party's headquarters in Edinburgh have likely been bustling with activity as members begin receiving their ballot papers. The winner of the leadership contest is set to be announced on September 27, 2024, leaving little time for reconciliation before the May 2026 Holyrood election.
Carlaw, who led the party briefly in 2020 after Ruth Davidson's resignation, emphasized the need for a thorough investigation of the allegations while calling for calm. He stressed the importance of presenting a united alternative to the Scottish electorate, given the party's distinct policy positions.
The Scottish Conservatives, whose logo features a Scottish thistle, face a challenging road ahead. With only 6 MPs representing Scottish constituencies in the UK Parliament, the party must overcome its internal divisions to strengthen its position both in Holyrood and Westminster.
As the leadership race continues, all eyes will be on the three candidates and their ability to bring the party together. The outcome of this contest will be crucial in determining the Scottish Conservatives' effectiveness in opposing the current government and presenting their vision for Scotland's future within the United Kingdom.