THE Tories spent a quarter of a million pounds to win each of their MPs in Scotland at the 2019 General Election, according to the latest Electoral Commission spending report.
The report showed the Tories spent around £17m across the UK on their election campaign, with neearly 10% of the cash focused on Scotland.
Boris Johnson’s party spent more than any other included in the latest data – but splashing the cash failed to pay off in Scotland, where they lost more than half of their MPs.
The figure includes spending on advertising and general expenses accumulated during the campaign.
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With £1,588,440.48 dedicated north of the Border, the Conservatives went from 13 seats to six – meaning they spent an average of £264,740 to win each of them.
Andrew Bowie, David Duguid, Alister Jack, John Lamont, David Mundell and Douglas Ross all held their seats in December.
Meanwhile the SNP’s total campaign spend was £1,004,952.73. The party won 48 seats in December, up by 13, with an average of £20,936 spent per MP elected.
The LibDems’ and Labour’s spending were not part of today’s publication.
Keith Brown, the SNP’s depute leader, commented on the Electoral Commission’s report.
He said: "We are truly humbled by the continuing trust placed in us by the people of Scotland, and proud to be funded 100% by small donations from our mass membership.
“Tory central office in London splashed its cash in Scotland and yet the Tories lost half their seats. Bankrolled by Russian Oligarchs and hedge fund bosses, they spent £264,740 for every Scottish MP elected."
In July new details on Tory donors with links to the Kremlin emerged. The Times reported that 14 ministers in Johnson’s government and two MPs on the Intelligence and Security Committee received donations from individuals and businesses with ties to Russia.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak and Business Secretary Alok Sharma were among those to receive donations personally or through their constituency parties from individuals or firms linked to Russia.
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