MURDO Fraser has announced he has entered the contest to replace Douglas Ross as Scottish Tory leader.
The MSP previously ran to lead the party in 2011, but lost out to Ruth Davidson.
He currently serves as an MSP for the Mid Scotland and Fife region and confirmed his intention to run in The Scotsman.
READ MORE: Humza Yousaf questions family's future in Scotland after far-right riots
He joins a growing list of candidates to enter the race, which so far includes the following:
- Russell Findlay
- Brian Whittle
- Meghan Gallacher
- Liam Kerr
- Jamie Greene
Fraser said: “As leader, I would be active in promoting Scottish interests, not fearing to challenge Westminster colleagues if that were necessary.
“But I won’t be splitting the party or setting up a new one – my aim is to unite our party, not divide it.
“In any event, these are questions for the membership as a whole, not the leader, and we have had too much top-down decision-making in the past.”
Fraser previously indicated that he wanted Scottish Conservatives to split from the UK party although has since changed his mind on the issue.
Douglas Ross revealed he would quit as party leader during the General Election campaign after U-turning on his pledge not to stand as an MP.
The new leader is expected to be announced on September 27 although the UK party won’t name a successor to Rishi Sunak until November 2.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel