A TORY MSP has backed Russell Findlay as the next leader of the Scottish Conservatives – and put himself forward as a potential running mate.
Findlay, who is yet to say whether he is running for the top job, is among the favourites to take over from Douglas Ross.
Ross (below) staked his political future on the General Election and was widely criticised for taking the Tory candidacy from his former colleague David Duguid, who was unwell in hospital during the campaign.
It resulted in the new Aberdeenshire North and Moray East seat being won by the SNP, despite expectations it could have gone blue. Ross has kept his seat in Holyrood.
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Now Findlay is being feted as the next leader of the party, after Ross announced his intention to quit the role after the election.
And he has received the backing of North East MSP Douglas Lumsden (below), who has suggested himself as a running mate.
He told the Press and Journal: “We need change, we need a positive vision, we need leadership that will work for the betterment of every corner of Scotland.
“Should he decide to stand, I will be backing my colleague Russell Findlay to lead us because, from the long and frank conversations we’ve had, I believe he has that positive vision that we need.
“We’ve spoken about how we can work closely together and what we need to do to deliver for ordinary people.
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“I know he’ll listen to what the north-east needs and stand up for every area of the country that feels disconnected and detached from the left-wing consensus at Holyrood.”
He backed Findlay’s previous suggestion in a comment piece for the Scottish Daily Mail that north of the Border Tories must forge a new positive vision of their party – and stop focusing on their opposition to Scottish independence.
Lumsden said: “For too long all the parties in Scotland have been preoccupied by constitutional issues.
“The Conservative Party now has the opportunity to take stock, think about what kind of party we have been, and want to be in the future.
“It has been a bruising couple of years for the Conservative Party. There is no shying away from that fact.”
He added: “Together, as part of a strong and united team, I think Russell and I can build a party that represents all of Scotland.”
Findlay has also received the backing of Tory MSPs Miles Briggs, Rachael Hamilton and Maurice Golden.
Others seen as potential contenders include deputy leader Meghan Gallacher (below), Jamie Greene and Murdo Fraser. Graham Simpson has also confirmed he is considering a tilt at the top job.
But before any candidate has confirmed their intention to stand, the race has already fallen into bitter recriminations.
The Mail earlier this week reported that senior party figures including Findlay and Gallacher have made pleas for unity after WhatsApp messages leaked to the paper showed Tory politicians launching personal attacks on those considering standing.
Gallacher had been criticised for appearing not to know that powers over VAT were reserved to Westminster while Greene, who is gay and pro-gender recognition reform, came under fire for his focus on “woke” issues.
Findlay was approached for comment.
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