Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay is vowing to be the voice of “common-sense, mainstream” Scots who are sick and tired of Holyrood’s out-of-touch political class.
In a speech to delegates at the UK Conservative conference in Birmingham today (Sunday), the West Scotland MSP will say that the SNP’s fixation with fringe causes – at the expense of “bread-and-butter issues” – has left the public disillusioned with politics and politicians.
He will say: “My message is simple – enough of the nonsense. Stop playing to the minority and start governing for the majority. Focus on common sense, for a change.”
Russell Findlay, who won the party’s leadership election on Friday, will also argue that Labour can’t offer real change because they agree with the SNP on a host of issues, including gender self-ID, the Hate Crime Act, raising taxes, abandoning oil and gas jobs and rent controls.
The new leader – who only entered Parliament in 2021 after a career outside politics – will pledge that, under him, the Scottish Conservatives will stand up for ordinary Scots who feel ignored or left behind.
In his conference speech, Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay MSP will say: “The SNP’s fixation with so-called progressive causes has widened the gap between politicians and the people.
“They’ve wasted time debating a pardon for 16th Century witches. And engaging in pound-shop international diplomacy.
“This does nothing to help real world families living in Scotland.
“It’s not a lack of power which has led to the crumbling of public services under the SNP, as they argue.
“It’s a failure to focus on bread-and-butter issues.
“They've left communities behind by focusing on radical ideology over real world problems.
“My message is simple – enough of the nonsense.
“Stop playing to the minority and start governing for the majority.
“Focus on common sense, for a change.
“In Scotland, Labour regularly vote with the Nationalists.
“They’ve waved through damaging policies unwanted by ordinary Scots.
“On gender self-ID, on hate crime law, banning new North Sea exploration, giving votes to prisoners, damaging rent controls… Scottish Labour stood shoulder to shoulder with the SNP.
“And now in government in Westminster, Labour will copy the SNP by driving up taxes for families and businesses.
“Labour promised change for the country – but it seems they really just meant a nice change of wardrobe.
“It leaves us – the Scottish Conservatives – as the sole voice in the Scottish Parliament speaking up for the common-sense views of mainstream Scotland.
“My politics are of optimism and aspiration.
“They’re about giving a voice to those who feel ignored.
“Speaking out for those who feel left behind.
“Getting our country working again for its people, not for its politicians.
“The months and years ahead are our opportunity to chart a better course for our country.
“A brighter future for Scotland.”