Scots Tory contender denies claims of being a continuity candidate, emphasising his outsider status and commitment to change.
Scottish Conservative leadership candidate Russell Findlay has firmly rejected claims that he is an “establishment candidate,” despite being backed by party leader Douglas Ross and several fellow Tory MSPs. The accusation came during a televised debate on Scotland Tonight, where Findlay, Murdo Fraser, and Meghan Gallacher each presented their case for leading the party following Ross’s decision to step down.
In a heated exchange with Fraser, who questioned whether Findlay’s support from established figures like Ross indicated a lack of change, Findlay responded, calling the accusation “fanciful.” He argued that his background as a journalist, with nearly 30 years of experience outside of politics, provided him with a fresh perspective. “I am not a career politician,” Findlay asserted. “I bring a different viewpoint, one rooted in real-world experience, not just the Holyrood bubble.”
The leadership contest, which opens for voting among Scottish Conservative members on September 4, will run until September 26, with the new leader to be revealed the following day. In his comments, Findlay also dismissed claims of being a “continuity candidate,” pointing out that Murdo Fraser, who has been a politician for nearly a quarter of a century, was the one making this claim.
Findlay emphasised the need to focus on issues that matter to the people of Scotland, such as education, the economy, and the health service, rather than internal party squabbles. Gallacher also joined in criticising the party’s infighting, urging for a more positive and forward-looking campaign.
The candidates were further pressed by host Colin Mackay on personal matters, including their views on drugs in Scotland. While neither Findlay nor Gallacher directly responded to a question about their past use of illicit substances, Fraser admitted to having “once smoked a joint in college,” though he added that it “did nothing” for him.
