LIAM Kerr has become the fourth candidate to enter the Scottish Tory leadership race to replace Douglas Ross.
The 49-year-old MSP said he wants to give people a “genuinely Conservative programme which gives them a reason to vote for us”.
Kerr added that he also wants to be able to give the north east, the region he represents, a voice “at the top of our party and the Scottish Parliament”.
The other candidates to declare so far include Russell Findlay, Brian Whittle and Meghan Gallacher (below).
Speaking to The Press and Journal, Kerr said: “Going into the 2026 election we need to present the people of Scotland with a genuinely Conservative programme which gives them a reason to vote for us, and lays out a realistic path to power.
“I’m standing for leader because I believe I can do exactly that.”
Kerr serves his party’s education spokesperson, having previously led on energy, transport and justice.
He added: “I know I have the strategy and vision to unite our excellent group of MSPs who will come together and take our case to the Scottish people ahead of 2026.”
Ross announced he would stand down during the election campaign, after U-turning on his pledge not to stand in the General Election.
Before entering the Scottish Parliament, Kerr worked as an employment lawyer.
However, some of his colleagues in the north east have already backed other candidates in the race.
MP Andrew Bowie has given his backing to Findlay while MSPs Douglas Lumsden and Tess White also backed the former journalist.
Nominations for candidates to succeed Ross will formally open on August 8 and close on August 22 at 12pm.
Candidates will need 100 nominations from party members to get on the ballot paper.
Voting will then follow a preferential voting system, with members ranking their chosen candidates in order of preference.
The ballot will close at 12pm on September 26 with the winner announced on September 27.
