Russell Findlay has today become the new leader of the Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, following a ballot of members.
The West Scotland MSP secured 2,565 votes in the party’s leadership election, to finish ahead of fellow candidates Murdo Fraser on 1,187 votes and Meghan Gallacher on 403 votes.
He replaces Douglas Ross, who announced his intention to stand down – once a replacement had been elected – in June.
The turnout for the election was 60 per cent.
In a speech to the media and party members after the result was announced in Edinburgh, Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay MSP said:
“Thank you to everyone who put their faith in me.
“Thank you to every member who voted for me.
“Thank you to every supporter who worked hard for my campaign.
“And thank you to my fellow candidates, Meghan and Murdo, who I greatly respect and value.
“Now, everyone in our party must come together as one united team.
“Let’s start the hard work right now – today – to win back public trust.
“And I want to deliver a message directly to people across Scotland who don’t feel anyone represents them.
“Who are scunnered by the divisive policies and fringe obsessions of the Scottish Parliament.
“Who feel let down and failed by politicians of every party – including ours.
“Who think politicians are all the same.
“If you feel that way, I get it.
“But I am not the same. I'm not a career politician.
“I understand your frustration and your sense that nobody really represents your views or speaks up for you.
“That’s going to change.
“Under my leadership the Scottish Conservatives are going to change.
“We will work hard to earn your trust by doing things differently.
“We will be a voice for decent, mainstream Scotland and for the values of hard work, self-reliance and fairness for taxpayers.
“We'll spend all our time and energy on your concerns, your hopes and your needs.
“We know you don't expect miracles from politicians.
“We know you just want some common sense, for a change.
“And we are determined to deliver it.”