Content deleted Content added
David Mundell and John Lamont endorse Russell Findlay Tags: Visual edit Mobile edit Mobile web edit Advanced mobile edit |
c/e |
||
| (32 intermediate revisions by 17 users not shown) | |||
Line 4:
| election_name = 2024 Scottish Conservative Party leadership election
| type = presidential
| ongoing =
| previous_election = August 2020 Scottish Conservatives leadership election
| previous_year = {{
| next_election =
| next_year =
| election_date = {{Start and end dates|2024|08|08|2024|09|27|df=yes}}
| image1 = [[File:Official portrait of Russell Findlay MSP (cropped).jpg|x160px]]
| candidate1 = '''[[
| image2 = [[File:Official portrait of Murdo Fraser MSP (cropped).jpg|x160px]]
| candidate2 = [[Murdo Fraser]]
Line 18:
| title = leader
| before_election = [[Douglas Ross (Scottish politician)|Douglas Ross]]
| after_election = [[Russell Findlay]]
| turnout = 60%
| popular_vote1 = '''2,565'''
| percentage1 = '''61.73%'''
| popular_vote2 = 1,187
| percentage2 = 28.57%
| popular_vote3 = 403
| percentage3 = 9.7%
}}
The '''2024 Scottish Conservatives leadership election'''
== Background ==
Line 26 ⟶ 33:
The MSP [[Douglas Ross (Scottish politician)|Douglas Ross]] was elected leader of the Scottish Conservatives unopposed in August 2020 after his predecessor [[Jackson Carlaw]] resigned. In the [[2021 Scottish Parliament election]] the Conservatives remained the second largest party with the same number of MSPs as at the previous election. Ross was elected as an MSP, having already been an MP. He kept both jobs, donating his MSP salary to charity.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=2024-06-06 |title=Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross to stand in election |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c9xxe8xe59eo |access-date=2024-06-10 |website=BBC News |language=en-GB}}</ref>
The Conservative prime minister Rishi Sunak called the [[2024 United Kingdom general election]] to be held on 4 July. Ross initially said that he would stand down as an MP. [[David Duguid (politician)|David Duguid]], a former minister who was recovering from spinal surgery, had been expected to run for re-election as the Conservative candidate for [[Aberdeenshire North and Moray East (UK Parliament constituency)|Aberdeenshire North and Moray East]]. On 5 June, he was deselected by the party "on health grounds".<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-06-05 |title=Former minister David Duguid not selected to stand in election |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c977x2ldv7eo |access-date=2024-06-10 |website=BBC News |language=en-GB}}</ref> The next day, Ross was announced as the candidate.<ref name=":0" /> He initially said he would continue as MP, MSP and party leader
Ross was separately criticised for expense claims he had made for flights and parking allegedly part of his additional job as a football assistant referee.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Johnson |first=Simon |date=2024-06-09 |title=Douglas Ross hits back at claims of 'dodgy' travel expenses for football job |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2024/06/09/douglas-ross-travel-expenses-claims-football-linesman/ |access-date=2024-06-10 |work=The Telegraph |language=en-GB |issn=0307-1235}}</ref>
On 10 June, Ross announced that he would resign as leader on the day of the general election. He also said that if he became an MP he would resign as an MSP.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Brooks |first1=Libby
== Campaign ==
=== Announcements (22
[[
[[Murdo Fraser]] announced his candidacy on 7 August. He was first elected as an MSP for [[Mid Scotland and Fife (Scottish Parliament electoral region)|Mid Scotland and Fife]] in 2001 and served as the deputy leader of the Scottish Conservatives from 2005 to 2011. He lost the 2011 Scottish Conservatives leadership election to [[Ruth Davidson]]. Fraser said that the UK-wide Conservative Party could stand candidates in Westminster elections but a new sister party could stand in Holyrood elections, citing the party system in Canada, with a commission established that would report after the [[next Scottish Parliament election]].<ref name=":14">{{Cite web |date=2024-08-01 |title=Scottish Tories unveil leadership race timetable and rules |url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/24490866.scottish-tories-reveal-timetable-leadership-race/ |access-date=2024-08-01 |website=The Herald |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":13">{{cite news |last=Johnson |first=Simon |title=Potential Scottish Tory leadership candidate suggests new party could fight Holyrood elections |url=https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/potential-scottish-tory-leadership-candidate-suggests-new-party-could-fight-holyrood-elections/ar-BB1qySRV |access-date=24 July 2024 |work=MSN}}</ref> He said recent UK Conservative leaders and Ross had "let down" members.<ref>{{Cite web |title=MSN |url=https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/murdo-fraser-announces-candidacy-for-scottish-tory-leadership/ar-AA1ondnm |access-date=2024-08-07 |website=www.msn.com}}</ref> Fraser said the party should try to "reclaim the centre-ground".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bol |first=David |date=2024-07-24 |title=Senior Scottish Tory brands Douglas Ross decision 'woefully ill-advised' and delivers Reform 'error' message |url=https://www.scotsman.com/news/politics/senior-scottish-tory-brands-douglas-ross-decision-woefully-ill-advised-and-delivers-reform-error-message-4714076}}</ref> On 14 August, MSP [[Stephen Kerr]] accidentally published doubts about Murdo Fraser's campaign as a status update on [[WhatsApp]], calling
Meghan Gallagher, the party's deputy leader and an MSP for [[Central Scotland (Scottish Parliament electoral region)|Central Scotland]] since 2021, announced her candidacy on 2 August.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Media |first=P. A. |date=2024-08-02 |title=Deputy leader Meghan Gallacher confirms Scots Tory leadership bid |url=https://news.stv.tv/politics/deputy-leader-meghan-gallacher-confirms-scottish-conservative-leadership-bid |access-date=2024-08-02 |website=STV News |language=en-GB}}</ref> She said she would focus on "the right to buy a house, support for parents and pensioners" and lower taxes.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-08-02 |title=Meghan Gallacher joins Scottish Conservative leadership contest |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c06k6x5md2no |access-date=2024-08-02 |website=BBC News |language=en-GB}}</ref> She has criticised "the influence of gender ideology on Scottish institutions" and attacked the charity [[LGBT Youth Scotland]], including by sharing an article accusing it of brainwashing children.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Johnson |first1=Simon |last2=Sanderson |first2=Daniel |date=2024-06-10 |title=Who will be the next Scottish Conservative leader? |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2024/06/10/who-will-be-the-next-scottish-conservative-leader/ |access-date=2024-08-02 |work=The Telegraph |language=en-GB |issn=0307-1235}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-06-10 |title=Who is in the running to replace Douglas Ross as leader of the Scottish Tories? |url=https://www.thenational.scot/news/24378143.tory-msps-running-replace-douglas-ross/ |access-date=2024-08-02 |website=The National |language=en}}</ref>
Jamie Greene announced his candidacy on 6 August.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-08-06 |title=Jamie Greene launches Scottish Tory leadership bid |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvg33my081po |access-date=2024-08-07 |website=BBC News |language=en-GB}}</ref> He was first elected as an MSP for [[West Scotland (Scottish Parliament electoral region)|West Scotland]] in 2016. He served as shadow justice secretary until 2023, when he was replaced by Russell Findlay, a decision he credited to his
Liam Kerr, the shadow education secretary, announced he was standing on 5 August. He said the party needed a "genuinely conservative programme".<ref name="auto"/>
Line 47 ⟶ 54:
Brian Whittle announced his candidacy on 29 July. Whittle is a former athlete who became an MSP for [[South Scotland (Scottish Parliament electoral region)|South Scotland]] in 2016.<ref name=":15">{{Cite web |date=2024-07-29 |title=Brian Whittle joins race to become Scottish Conservative leader |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/czvxqxepgw2o |access-date=2024-08-01 |website=BBC News |language=en-GB}}</ref> He said he would focus on "education, enterprise and empowering people".<ref name=":15" /> He said that the party should consider means testing Scotland's free prescriptions and university tuition.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Sanderson |first=Daniel |date=2024-08-01 |title=Scots ready to talk about axing SNP freebies, says Tory leadership contender |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2024/08/01/scots-ready-to-talk-about-axing-snp-freebies-says-whittle/ |access-date=2024-08-01 |work=The Telegraph |language=en-GB |issn=0307-1235}}</ref> On 20 August, Whittle withdrew and endorsed Fraser.<ref name=":17" />
In the [[2011 Scottish Conservatives leadership election]], [[Murdo Fraser]] proposed splitting the Scottish Conservatives off from the UK-wide party. Fraser lost the election, but several MSPs including [[Jamie Greene]], [[Liam Kerr]] and [[Liz Smith (politician)|Liz Smith]] said that they were open to the idea in 2024.<ref name=":6" /><ref name="auto2">{{Cite web |date=2024-07-19 |title=Liam Kerr calls for Scottish Conservatives to debate split from UK party |url=https://www.holyrood.com/news/view,liam-kerr-calls-for-scottish-conservatives-to-debate-split-from-uk-party |access-date=2024-07-22 |website=Holyrood Website |language=en}}</ref> [[
MSPs also disagreed about the party's policy positions. [[Stephen Kerr]] said the Scottish Conservatives should stop supporting free tuition and free prescriptions and move to the political right.<ref name=":8">{{Cite web |date=2024-07-17 |title=Scottish Tory 'cabal leaking negative stories about leadership hopefuls', MSPs allege |url=https://www.thenational.scot/news/24457146.scottish-tory-cabal-leaking-negative-stories-leadership-hopefuls/ |access-date=2024-07-23 |website=The National |language=en}}</ref>
Line 62 ⟶ 69:
Three candidates, Greene, Kerr and Whittle, withdrew from the election and endorsed Fraser on 20 and 21 August.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-08-22 |title=Murdo Fraser asks rivals to drop out of Tory leadership contest and unite behind him |url=https://uk.news.yahoo.com/two-more-drop-scottish-tory-103424373.html?guccounter=1 |access-date=2024-08-22 |website=Yahoo News |language=en-GB}}</ref> Kerr said he had nominations from 120 party members and could run, but was supporting Fraser instead.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-08-22 |title=Two Scottish Tory leadership contenders quit race and back Murdo Fraser |url=https://www.thenational.scot/news/24535073.two-contenders-drop-scottish-conservative-leadership-contest/ |access-date=2024-08-22 |website=The National |language=en}}</ref>
On 22 August, Fraser launched his campaign at an event in [[Perth, Scotland|Perth]] with his former rival candidates.<ref>{{Cite web |date=22 August 2024 |title=Scottish Tory leadership hopeful Murdo Fraser to make pitch to SNP voters |url=https://www.itv.com/news/2024-08-21/scottish-tory-leadership-hopeful-murdo-fraser-to-make-pitch-to-snp-voters |website=[[ITV News]]}}</ref> He said that Findlay and Gallacher should withdraw from the election and support him.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Scottish Conservatives leadership race: Russell Findlay, Murdo Fraser and Meghan Gallacher in running to replace Douglas Ross |url=https://news.sky.com/story/scottish-conservatives-leadership-race-russell-findlay-murdo-fraser-and-meghan-gallacher-in-running-to-replace-douglas-ross-13201062 |access-date=2024-08-22 |website=Sky News |language=en}}</ref> He said he would appeal to conservative nationalists disilllusioned by the SNP by offering "practical solutions".<ref>{{Cite web |last=
Three candidates were validly nominated: Findlay, Fraser and Gallacher.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-07-08 |title=Who is in the running for the Scottish Tory leadership? |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c87rg6rr7pno |access-date=2024-08-22 |website=BBC News |language=en-GB}}</ref>
=== The campaign (23 August – 22 September) ===
On 1 September, Gallacher confirmed that she would remain in the contest after it was alleged that a senior backer of Findlay was contacting party members and suggesting she was going to pull out.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-09-01 |title=Meghan Gallacher issues update amid rumours of quitting leadership race |url=https://www.thenational.scot/news/24555144.meghan-gallacher-speaks-amid-rumours-quitting-leadership-race/ |access-date=2024-09-07 |website=The National |language=en}}</ref>
On 2 September, the candidates took part in a TV debate on [[STV (TV channel)|STV]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Scott |first=Kevin |date=2024-09-02 |title=Tensions exposed as Scottish Tory leadership candidates grill each other in TV debate |url=https://news.stv.tv/politics/tensions-exposed-as-scottish-tory-leadership-candidates-grill-each-other-in-scotland-tonight-debate |access-date=2024-09-07 |website=STV News |language=en-GB}}</ref> And on 4 September, they all participated in a special episode of the podcast Holyrood Sources discussing the campaign and their leadership platforms.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Podcast |first=Holyrood Sources |date=2024-09-05 |title=Holyrood Sources: In conversation with the Scottish Conservative leadership candidates |url=https://conservativehome.com/2024/09/05/holyrood-sources-in-conversation-with-the-scottish-conservative-leadership-candidates/ |access-date=2024-09-07 |website=Conservative Home |language=en-GB}}</ref>
Findlay received the backing of former party leader [[Ruth Davidson]] on 4 September in an article in ''[[Daily Mail|The Daily Mail]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Davidson |first=Ruth |date=2024-09-04 |title=RUTH DAVIDSON: Trojan horse plans for a new Scots Tory party are wrong |url=https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13813869/RUTH-DAVIDSON-Trojan-horse-plans-new-Scots-Tory-party-wrong-leader-build-party-not-split-up.html |access-date=2024-09-07 |website=Mail Online}}</ref> Davidson said of Fraser's proposal to create a commission to examine how the party operates: "This “commission” — which I believe is really just a backdoor means to separate the party — is entirely the wrong approach to take."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Blackley |first=Michael |date=2024-09-04 |title=Now Russell Findlay wins backing of Ruth Davidson in leadership race |url=https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13813891/amp/Now-Russell-Findlay-wins-backing-Ruth-Davidson-race-Scottish-Tory-leader.html |access-date=2024-09-07 |website=Mail Online |language=en}}</ref> Davidson was criticised by supporters of both Fraser and Gallacher for this claim.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-09-05 |title=Ruth Davidson backs Russell Findlay to be Scottish Tory leader |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c17g1d0yk1yo.amp |access-date=2024-09-07 |website=BBC News |language=en-gb}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-09-05 |title=Scottish Tory MSPs slam Ruth Davidson for 'misinformation' amid party civil war |url=https://www.thenational.scot/news/24564595.scottish-tory-msps-accuse-ruth-davidson-spreading-misinformation/ |access-date=2024-09-07 |website=The National |language=en}}</ref>
On 6 September, ''The Telegraph'' published an article claiming that Gallacher had reported the [[Shadow Secretary of State for Scotland|shadow Scottish Secretary]], and Findlay supporter, [[John Lamont]] to the party due to his conduct during the campaign.<ref name=":21">{{Cite news |last=Johnson |first=Simon |date=2024-09-06 |title=Meghan Gallacher makes formal complaint against shadow Scottish secretary |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2024/09/06/scottish-tory-meghan-gallacher-formal-complaint-john-lamont/ |access-date=2024-09-07 |work=The Telegraph |language=en-GB |issn=0307-1235}}</ref> The article noted that "multiple sources" told the paper Lamont had contacted party members telling them that Gallacher was going to withdraw from the contest and endorse Fraser. Lamont denied these allegations.<ref name=":21" /> The article also noted that Gallacher was concerned about her career prospects after a phone call with Lamont (who heads the board which vets candidates for Holyrood and Westminster) where he warned their relationship had been damaged, perhaps beyond repair.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-09-07 |title=Meghan Gallacher makes formal complaint about Scottish Conservative MP |url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/24569607.meghan-gallacher-submits-complaint-conservative-mp/ |access-date=2024-09-07 |website=The Herald |language=en}}</ref>
On 11 September, ''[[The Scotsman]]'' reported that Lamont had sent Gallacher a letter from his lawyer.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bol |first=David |date=11 September 2024 |title=Exclusive:Revealed: Tory MP sends lawyer's letter to Scottish leadership candidate as row escalates |url=https://www.scotsman.com/news/politics/scottish-tory-leadership-john-lamont-meghan-gallacher-4777004}}</ref>
== Procedure ==
Line 70 ⟶ 88:
=== Timetable ===
* 8 August: nominations open
* 22 August: nominations close
Line 78 ⟶ 95:
== Candidates ==
=== Declared ===
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
Line 85 ⟶ 103:
! class="unsortable" | Ref.
|-
|[[File:Official portrait of Russell Findlay MSP (cropped).jpg|100px]]<br />{{Sortname|Russell|Findlay
|Shadow justice secretary {{small|(2023–present)}}<br />[[Member of the Scottish Parliament|MSP]] for [[West Scotland (Scottish Parliament electoral region)|West Scotland]] {{small|(2021–present)}}
|Leadership for Change<ref>{{Cite web |title=Russell For Change |url=https://russellforchange.nationbuilder.com/ |access-date=2024-08-19 |website=Russell For Change |language=en}}</ref>
Line 103 ⟶ 121:
=== Withdrew prior to nominations closing===
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
!Candidate
Line 138 ⟶ 155:
* [[Stephen Kerr]], shadow education secretary, MSP for [[Central Scotland (Scottish Parliament electoral region)|Central Scotland]] since 2021<ref name=":5">{{Cite web|url=https://www.scotsman.com/news/politics/who-might-replace-douglas-ross-as-scottish-conservative-leader-4660123|title=Who might replace Douglas Ross as Scottish Conservative leader?}}</ref> ''(endorsed Fraser)''
* [[Graham Simpson (politician)|Graham Simpson]], MSP for [[Central Scotland (Scottish Parliament electoral region)|Central Scotland]] since 2016<ref name="auto2"/> ''(Endorsed Fraser)''
== Endorsements ==
Line 144 ⟶ 160:
{| class="floatright plainrowheaders wikitable"
|+ Endorsements by MPs/MSPs
|-
! scope="col" | Candidate
Line 150 ⟶ 166:
|-
! scope="row" | Findlay
| {{Composition bar|
|-
! scope="row" | Fraser
Line 184 ⟶ 200:
==== Peers ====
* [[Malcolm Offord]], former government minister<ref>{{Cite web |date=12 August 2024 |title=X |url=https://x.com/RussellFindlay1/status/1822920068390392216}}</ref>
* [[Ruth Davidson]], former [[Leader of the Scottish Conservative Party]] (2011-2019) and [[Leader of the Scottish Conservative Party in the Scottish Parliament]] (2020-2021)<ref>{{Cite web |last=Davidson |first=Ruth |date=2024-09-04 |title=RUTH DAVIDSON: Trojan horse plans for a new Scots Tory party are wrong |url=https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13813869/RUTH-DAVIDSON-Trojan-horse-plans-new-Scots-Tory-party-wrong-leader-build-party-not-split-up.html |access-date=2024-09-05 |website=Mail Online}}</ref>
* [[Michael Forsyth, Baron Forsyth of Drumlean|Michael Forsyth]], former Scottish Secretary (1995-1997)<ref>{{Cite web |last=Paterson |first=Laura |date=2024-09-01 |title=Scottish Tory leadership hopeful backed by all five of the party’s MPs |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/david-mundell-scottish-findlay-mps-vat-b1179411.html |access-date=2024-09-07 |website=Evening Standard |language=en}}</ref>
==== Notable party figures ====
Line 191 ⟶ 209:
==== MSPs ====
*[[Finlay Carson]], MSP for [[Galloway and West Dumfries (Scottish Parliament constituency) |Galloway and West Dumfries]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=8 August 2024 |title=X |url=https://x.com/fincarson/status/1821480185801191710?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet}}</ref>
* [[Maurice Golden]], MSP for [[North East Scotland (Scottish Parliament electoral region)|North East Scotland]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=22 August 2024 |title=X |url=https://x.com/mgoldenmsp/status/1826577619292143871}}</ref> (previously backed Kerr)
Line 204 ⟶ 221:
==== Peers ====
* [[Ian Duncan, Baron Duncan of Springbank |Ian Duncan]], former government minister<ref>{{Cite web |title=Supporters |url=https://murdo.poliengine.com/supporters |access-date=2024-08-13 |website=Murdo Fraser for Real Change |language=en}}</ref>
* [[Donald Cameron, Baron Cameron of Lochiel|Donald Cameron]], former government minister and MSP for [[Highlands and Islands (Scottish Parliament electoral region)|Highlands and Islands]] (2016-2024)<ref>{{Cite web |title=X |url=https://x.com/DAJCameron/status/1832341074397802611 |access-date=7 September 2024}}</ref>
==== Notable party figures ====
*[[Malcolm Rifkind]], former [[Foreign Secretary]] (1995-1997) and [[Secretary of State for Scotland|Scottish Secretary]] (1986-1990)<ref>{{Cite news |last=Johnson |first=Simon |date=2024-08-25 |title=Sir Malcolm Rifkind reveals choice for Scottish Tory leader as poll predicts major losses |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2024/08/25/malcolm-rifkind-reveals-choice-for-scottish-tory-leader/ |access-date=2024-08-25 |work=The Telegraph |language=en-GB |issn=0307-1235}}</ref>
=== Meghan Gallacher ===
==== MSPs ====
* [[Jeremy Balfour]], MSP for [[Lothian (Scottish Parliament electoral region)|Lothian]]<ref>{{Cite
* [[Roz McCall]], MSP for [[Mid Scotland and Fife (Scottish Parliament electoral region)|Mid Scotland and Fife]]<ref>{{Cite web |last=Steerpike |date=2024-08-07 |title=Scottish Tory leadership race: runners and riders |url=https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/scottish-tory-leadership-race-runners-and-riders/ |access-date=2024-08-07 |website=The Spectator |language=en-US}}</ref>
== Result ==
{{STV Election box begin2
|title = 2024 Scottish Conservative Party leadership election
|numcounts = 1
}}
{{STV Election box candidate2
|candidate = '''[[Russell Findlay]]'''
|party = Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
|percentage = 61.73
|count1 = {{Y}} '''2,565'''
}}
{{STV Election box candidate2
|candidate = [[Murdo Fraser]]
|party = Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
|percentage = 28.57
|count1 = 1,187
}}
{{STV Election box candidate2
|candidate = [[Meghan Gallacher]]
|party = Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
|percentage = 9.7
|count1 = 403
}}
{{STV Election box end2
|numcounts = 2
|electorate = 6,941
|valid = 4,155
|spoilt =
|quota =
|turnout = 60%<ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |date= 27 September 2024 |title=Russell Findlay pledges 'common sense' as Scottish Conservative leader |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/c89lp8l2718t |work= |location= |access-date=}}</ref>
}}
== References ==
Line 226 ⟶ 276:
[[Category:2020s elections in Scotland]]
[[Category:2024 political party leadership elections|Scottish Conservatives leadership election]]
[[Category:August 2024 events in the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:September 2024 events in the United Kingdom]]
| |||