New Scottish Conservative and Unionist leader Russell Findlay has appointed Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire MSP Rachael Hamilton as the party’s new deputy leader.
The news comes just a day after the West Scotland MSP was elected with over 60 per cent of the votes cast by party members.
Rachael says she feels “privileged” to take on the role and is “excited” to be part of Russell’s leadership team who will stand up for Scots who just want their politicians to show common sense, for a change.
Russell added that as a rural MSP Rachael has consistently stood up for people who feel nobody at Holyrood represents them and will play a key role in the party reconnecting with voters up and down Scotland.
Scottish Conservative and Unionist leader Russell Findlay MSP said: “I am delighted to welcome Rachael as the party’s new deputy leader.
“As an MSP representing rural communities in the Borders, she has always stood up for people who feel the cosy left-wing Holyrood consensus led by the SNP and Labour fails to represent them.
“Rachael will play a key role in changing our party.
“Those changes will show the Scottish Conservatives have a positive vision to reconnect with people who share our values of aspiration, opportunity and decency.
“We will champion those who feel that common sense has been lacking in our politics for too long.”
Scottish Conservative and Unionist Deputy Leader Rachael Hamilton MSP said: “I am privileged to have been chosen by Russell to take on the role of Scottish Conservative deputy leader.
“Since he joined the Scottish Parliament in 2021, I have been impressed with how Russell tells it straight and speaks to those whose lives are not dominated by political bubble issues.
“I know from speaking to my constituents in the Borders that many of them have lost trust in politics and politicians don’t understand them. Russell Findlay is different and is determined to change that.
“I’m excited to get to work and help show that the Scottish Conservatives will deliver for those who want to see politicians talking common sense, for a change.”