In a surprising twist within the Scottish Conservative Party, allegations have emerged that Douglas Ross, the current leader, plotted to resign over a year ago, intending to install his close ally Russell Findlay as his successor. Senior party figures have recounted a conversation Ross allegedly had with Kathleen Robertson, the party’s general election candidate for Moray West, Nairn, and Strathspey, during a meeting at his home in July 2023.
The Allegations
Sources indicate that during this meeting, Ross expressed his desire to step down as leader if he could replace Robertson as the candidate for Moray West. He reportedly stated that his “heart was in Westminster, not Holyrood,” implying a preference for national rather than regional politics. In exchange for her stepping aside, Ross allegedly promised Robertson that she would be the Tory candidate for the corresponding Holyrood seat in the 2026 Scottish Parliament elections.
When Robertson asked who would take over his leadership role, Ross is said to have expressed his preference for Russell Findlay, a figure seen as favored by the party establishment. However, Robertson declined to resign as candidate, leading to tension within party ranks.
Reaction and Denials
In response to the allegations, Ross confirmed the meeting took place but framed it as an effort to ascertain Robertson’s commitment to her candidacy. He denied any plans for a leadership succession plot and stated his intention to remain neutral during the ongoing leadership contest, despite not refuting his support for Findlay.
Findlay’s camp has dismissed the allegations as a smear, asserting that he was unaware of any such conversations and emphasizing that the decision about Ross’s successor would ultimately be in the hands of party members, not Ross.
Context of Leadership Contest
The revelations come at a turbulent time for the Scottish Conservatives, who have been grappling with internal strife and leadership challenges. Some party members have argued that Ross’s alleged actions reflect an establishment effort to secure Findlay’s ascent to leadership amid ongoing dissatisfaction with the party’s performance.
This controversy is exacerbated by the party’s recent decision to replace MP David Duguid with Ross as the candidate for Aberdeenshire North and Moray East. Critics have argued this move was controversial, especially considering Duguid’s serious health issues, which he has publicly contested.
Broader Implications
The implications of these allegations are significant for the Scottish Conservatives. As Ross faces mounting pressure to step down, there are concerns that the party may struggle to maintain cohesion and credibility in the lead-up to upcoming elections. Moreover, the insistence by party leaders that Ross played no role in candidate selection raises questions about transparency within the party.
The internal conflict and leadership uncertainty may hinder the Conservatives’ ability to present a united front against their primary rivals, particularly the SNP, who have been capitalizing on the turbulence within the Conservative ranks.
New Developments
To further explore the implications of this situation, it would be beneficial to monitor how the Scottish Conservative Party responds to the growing dissatisfaction from its members and the electorate. Additionally, the reaction from other leadership candidates, including Findlay, will be pivotal in shaping the party’s direction. Given the gravity of the allegations, public and media scrutiny will likely increase, demanding transparency and accountability from party leaders.
Moreover, a closer look at how the SNP plans to leverage this internal discord could yield insights into their electoral strategy and possible impacts on the Conservative Party’s standing in Scotland. The coming weeks will undoubtedly be crucial for the future of the Scottish Conservatives as they attempt to navigate these challenges and rebuild trust among their constituents.
Conclusion
As the Scottish Conservative Party navigates these turbulent waters, the alleged actions of Douglas Ross and the unfolding leadership contest could define the party’s trajectory in the coming months. With leadership aspirations hanging in the balance and party dynamics under scrutiny, the focus will remain on whether Ross can maintain his position or if the mounting pressures will force him to reconsider his future.