The cost-of-living pressures facing Scots “should and will define” this year’s Holyrood election, Russell Findlay will say in his first major speech of 2026 today (Monday).
Addressing party members and the media in Edinburgh, the Scottish Conservative leader is expected to say it is the number one concern for the whole country.
Findlay says voters will face a clear choice in May between five more years of miserable tax rises and wasteful spending from the SNP, or a new era of hope with his party’s common-sense focus on bringing down bills by prioritising economic growth.
With the speech taking place ahead of next week’s Scottish Budget, he will confirm the Scottish Conservatives are focusing on bringing down people’s bills and have laid out their proposals in a letter which will be sent to John Swinney today (Monday).
Findlay will urge John Swinney to outline where he stands on making people’s lives more affordable, but warns his track record on that issue “gives serious cause for concern.”
Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay said: “Cost-of-living pressures remain the number one concern of people across Scotland, which is why this should and will be the defining issue of the Holyrood election.
“Voters face a simple choice in a few months’ time. Either five more years of the SNP and other left-wing parties hitting them with more tax rises, or our positive plan to bring down bills by focusing on growing the economy.
“The Scottish Conservatives will fight for Scotland’s strivers and champion the virtues of lower taxation. Our common-sense approach will help build a stronger Scotland of opportunity for everyone.
“And in the forthcoming SNP budget, John Swinney also faces a clear choice.
“His track record gives serious cause for concern as he’s either backed or imposed every single SNP tax increase. Instead of increasing taxes, he should give Scots a break.”