Russell Findlay Elected Scottish Tory Leader, Calls for Unity

Russell Findlay has emerged victorious in the Scottish Conservative leadership race, securing 61.7% of the votes cast. The West Scotland MSP now faces the challenge of uniting a party fractured by a contentious campaign marred by allegations of infighting and underhanded tactics.

In his inaugural address, Findlay emphasized the urgent need for party cohesion, stating, "Now, everyone in our party must come together as one united team." With the 2026 Holyrood election looming, he stressed the importance of redirecting focus towards reclaiming voters who have shifted their support to Reform UK.

The Scottish Conservative Party, founded in 1912, has faced significant challenges in recent years. Despite being the second-largest party in the Scottish Parliament with 31 MSPs, it has never held a majority. The party's performance in the recent general election was particularly disappointing, with its vote share nearly halving to 12.7%, marking its worst-ever result.

Findlay, a former investigative journalist, made a direct appeal to disillusioned voters, particularly those who have turned to Reform UK. He stated, "I understand your frustration and your sense that nobody really represents your views or speaks up for you." This approach aligns with the party's traditional support for a low-tax economy and free-market policies.

The leadership contest, which saw Findlay defeat Murdo Fraser and Meghan Gallacher, was not without controversy. Fraser alleged that the party "establishment" had worked to ensure a convincing margin of victory for Findlay. However, the new leader dismissed these claims, stating he was "looking forward to meeting this establishment."

Findlay's victory comes at a crucial time for the Scottish Conservatives. The party, which opposes Scottish independence and supports the continuation of Scotland's place in the United Kingdom, must now navigate a political landscape where Reform UK has gained significant traction. In recent council by-elections in Perth and Kinross, Reform UK attracted 6% and 10.2% of the vote, respectively.

"We will be a voice for decent, mainstream Scotland and for the values of hard work, self-reliance and fairness for taxpayers."

The leadership change follows the resignation of Douglas Ross during the general election campaign. Ross's departure was surrounded by controversy, including allegations of attempting to replace candidates in key constituencies.

As Findlay prepares to address the UK party conference in Birmingham, he faces the daunting task of rebuilding trust within the party and among voters. His success will be crucial in determining the Scottish Conservatives' ability to tackle key issues, including Scotland's drug death crisis and energy policy, where the party supports nuclear power as part of the energy mix.

The reaction from opposition parties has been swift. Dame Jackie Baillie, Scottish Labour's deputy leader, dismissed the leadership change as "rearranging the deckchairs." Meanwhile, Kevin Stewart, an SNP MSP, criticized Findlay's track record, suggesting he has "no desire to stand up for Scotland's interests."

As the Scottish Conservative Party, with its headquarters in Edinburgh, enters this new chapter, all eyes will be on Findlay's ability to unite the party's factions and present a compelling alternative to both the SNP and the rising challenge from Reform UK.