MEGHAN Gallacher has announced she will be running to succeed Douglas Ross as leader of the Scottish Tories.
In a post on Twitter/X on Friday morning, the party’s deputy leader confirmed she would be running, having previously been tipped to enter the contest.
She is the third candidate to declare she will be running for the role, with Russell Findlay and Brian Whittle having already done so.
I’m standing to be the next leader of the Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party. Here’s why 👇🏻 pic.twitter.com/ky6wZubn1x
— Meghan Gallacher MSP (@MGallacherMSP) August 2, 2024
In a video posted on social media, Gallacher said the leadership election “presents the opportunity for a reset” and to “renew our offering to the people of Scotland”.
She added: “We need to utilise our talents, build a stronger team and look to the future. We need to create a modern, centre-right party that is focused on delivering for everyone in Scotland.
“We need policies that focus on people’s pockets so they keep more of what they earn. The right to own a property, making sure everyone has a roof over their head.
“Support for parents raising a family, giving our pensioners security in later life and protection for every Scot so their rights and liberties are upheld.”
Gallacher said the party needed somebody focused on “winning hearts and minds” who would be able to “unite the party” and reach those who have never voted for the Scottish Conservatives before.
The MSP previously served as a councillor in North Lanarkshire before being elected to Holyrood in 2021.
She currently serves as an MSP for the Central Scotland region and has been the deputy leader of her party since May 2022.
Gallacher added: “We need a leader who is bold, dynamic and fresh-faced who is proud to be Conservative.
“A leader who believes in its party and its people. That’s what I’ll deliver. A new beginning for the Scottish Conservatives.”
On Thursday, the Scottish Conservatives confirmed the new leader would be unveiled on September 27.
However, the new Conservative UK leader won’t be declared until November 2.
