Rifkind Backs Fraser as Scottish Tory Leader Amid Gloomy Poll Predictions
Former Foreign Secretary Sir Malcolm Rifkind endorses Murdo Fraser for Scottish Conservative leadership. Recent poll suggests significant seat loss for the party in the 2026 Holyrood election.
In a significant development for the Scottish Conservative Party, Sir Malcolm Rifkind has publicly endorsed Murdo Fraser as the next leader. This endorsement comes at a crucial time, as recent polls predict a challenging future for the party in the upcoming Holyrood election.
A Norstat survey for the Sunday Times has forecasted a substantial decline in the Scottish Conservatives' representation in the Scottish Parliament. The poll, looking ahead to the May 2026 election, suggests the party could see its seat count drop from 31 to just 18. This potential loss of over 40% of their current seats would relegate the Conservatives to a distant third place in Holyrood, ending a decade-long tenure as the main opposition party.
Sir Malcolm Rifkind, who served as Foreign Secretary from 1995 to 1997, praised Fraser's qualities, stating:
"I have known Murdo Fraser for many years. He is able, has high integrity, speaks his mind and demonstrates strong leadership qualities. Scotland needs a strong Conservative and Unionist party more than ever."
The endorsement highlights the critical juncture at which the Scottish Conservatives find themselves. The party, which became the official opposition in Holyrood in 2016, faces significant challenges in maintaining its position and influence in Scottish politics.
Fraser, who has been a Member of the Scottish Parliament since 2001, welcomed the endorsement, emphasizing his commitment to rebuilding the party. He stated that with his message of "real change and renewal" and a strong team, he aims to address the party's current challenges.
The leadership contest follows the resignation of Douglas Ross during the recent general election campaign, where the Scottish Conservatives saw their national vote share halve to 12.7%. This election, held in July 2024, resulted in the party losing one seat in Scotland, reducing their Westminster representation to five.
The leadership race has not been without controversy. Allegations of internal plotting and disagreements have surfaced, with claims that Ross had planned to step down a year ago and install Russell Findlay as his successor. Both Findlay and Ross have denied these claims.
Findlay, seen as the establishment's preferred candidate, acknowledged the seriousness of the poll results. Speaking on BBC Scotland's Sunday Show, he emphasized the need for party unity and the development of credible policies to regain public trust.
The rise of Nigel Farage's Reform UK party adds another dimension to the political landscape. The poll suggests Reform UK could secure eight Holyrood seats, primarily at the expense of the Conservatives.
As the leadership contest progresses, the candidates, including Fraser, Findlay, and Meghan Gallacher, have participated in hustings events in Renfrew and Perth. These events provide an opportunity for party members to assess the candidates' visions for the future of the Scottish Conservatives.
The outcome of this leadership race will be crucial in determining the party's direction and its ability to navigate the challenges ahead, including the next UK general election due by January 2025 and the subsequent Holyrood election in 2026.
