The Scottish Conservative Party has chosen Russell Findlay as its new leader on Friday, September 27, following Douglas Ross’ resignation in June.
Formerly a journalist, Findlay has served as a Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) for the West of Scotland since 2021 and became the party’s justice spokesman last year.
Findlay secured 2,565 votes, more than double the 1,187 votes of second place’s Murdo Fraser and far surpassing Meghan Gallacher, who finished third with 403 votes.
His leadership campaign focused on establishing a “positive, modern” conservative movement that shifted beyond the party’s pro-Union stance and towards a broader conservative vision.
During the campaign, he remarked that:
“People know we’re unionists. They need to find out why we’re conservatives.”
The contest itself was sparked after the party’s former leader Douglass Ross stepped down following his 2024 General Election defeat, where the party lost seats to both the SNP and Labour.
Prior to Ross’ resignation, a senior party official told The Scotsman that Findlay was the “grassroots favourite”.
He also gained the backing of former party leader Ruth Davidson early in the contest.
Findlay was up against Murdo Fraser, an experienced MSP who has represented Mid-Scotland since 2001, and Meghan Gallacher, Ross’ Deputy Leader and MSP for Central Scotland.
The second leadership contest of Fraser’s career, his campaign focused on uniting the party, which he claimed had been damaged by the divisive leadership of Douglas Ross and the wider mistakes of the UK Conservative Party.
In a campaign video posted on X, he criticised the party’s recent performance, stating:
“This party, our party, has let us all down.”
Meanwhile, Meghan Gallacher advocated for the creation of a “modern, centre-right party” focussed on rebuilding trust within the party and among voters.
She stressed the importance of restoring the appeal of the Scottish Conservatives while maintaining traditional political values.
Findlay’s leadership win comes during a tumultuous period for the party for the party ahead of the Scottish parliamentary elections currently scheduled for 2026.
While the party remains the second-largest in Scotland, it has struggled to retain electoral support in recent years.
In a speech after the results were announced, Findlay said:
“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.”
“Russell Findlay 2021” by Scottish Parliament is licensed under CC BY 3.0.