Scottish Tory Leadership Race: Frontrunner Calls for Unified Approach
Murdo Fraser urges rivals to withdraw from Scottish Conservative leadership contest, citing party unity. Two candidates reject the call, insisting on a fair election process for members.
In a surprising turn of events, Murdo Fraser, a leading contender in the Scottish Conservative Party leadership race, has called for his remaining opponents to step aside. This appeal comes as the party grapples with internal divisions and declining electoral support.
Fraser launched his campaign in Perth, announcing that Liam Kerr and Jamie Greene had withdrawn their bids and endorsed him. He then urged the two remaining candidates, Russell Findlay and Meghan Gallacher, to follow suit, emphasizing the need for party unity.
"We can spend another five weeks shouting at each other... Or we can end it. We can end it now and, as a team of MSPs working on behalf of our members, take back control of our party."
The leadership contest follows a period of turmoil for the Scottish Conservatives. In the most recent general election, the party's vote share plummeted to 12.7%, half of its previous result. This decline has raised concerns about the party's future in Scottish politics.
Fraser has positioned himself as the candidate capable of uniting the party and implementing necessary changes. He criticized the current concentration of power within the party, stating, "For too long we have had too much power concentrated in too few hands, and we have all seen the effects of that."
The leadership race was triggered by allegations surrounding the outgoing leader, Douglas Ross. In July 2023, Ross allegedly attempted to persuade a local council leader to relinquish her candidacy for a Westminster seat, proposing a leadership change that would have seen Findlay take over.
Despite Fraser's call for unity, both Findlay and Gallacher have rejected the idea of stepping aside. Findlay, considered the establishment favorite, emphasized the importance of a "fair and positive contest" decided by party members.
The Scottish Conservatives, formed in 1965, have faced challenges in recent years. Despite never forming a government in the Scottish Parliament, the party achieved its highest seat count of 31 in 2016 under the leadership of Ruth Davidson. However, they have struggled to maintain this momentum, particularly in urban areas.
The leadership contest will feature eight hustings across Scotland and a televised debate on September 2, 2024. Party members will rank candidates in order of preference, with the winner to be announced on September 27, 2024.
As the Scottish Conservatives navigate this crucial period, the outcome of this leadership race could significantly impact the party's future direction and its role in Scottish politics.
