THE Tory MSP Meghan Gallacher has resigned as deputy party leader due to concerns about the conduct of Douglas Ross.
According to a report in The Telegraph, Ross is alleged to have tried to get Kathleen Robertson, the leader of Moray council, to stand aside and let him run for Westminster in the Moray West, Nairn and Strathspey seat last year.
In her resignation letter to Douglas Ross, she said: “Dear Douglas,
"For the last two years, I have had the privilege of serving as Deputy Leader of the Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party.
"I am honoured to have been appointed such a role, creating the Policy Board and holding the Scottish Government to account.
"As a team, we have stood against the SNP on many issues, most notably, the Gender Recognition Reform Bill, that threatened the safety of women and girls. The Scottish Conservatives were the only party in Holyrood to oppose changes to self-id, and I am proud to have held this portfolio before and after my maternity leave.
I have resigned as Deputy Leader of @ScotTories Letter sent at 13:55 today. pic.twitter.com/78JPtsCStW
— Meghan Gallacher MSP (@MGallacherMSP) August 16, 2024
"However, it is with great sadness that I tender my resignation as Deputy Leader of the Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party.
"Since your resignation as Leader of the Scottish Conservatives, it is clear to me that I no longer feel able to serve as your Deputy, as I am now standing as a candidate to be your successor.
"I believe that there is a conflict of interest in remaining as Deputy, and I will not be able to assist you, as I have been excluded from doing broadcast and media on behalf of the party, as part of my candidacy.
"I am also deeply troubled about the story that has emerged in the Telegraph today.
"As Deputy Leader, I have backed you in decisions that have been taken, and have been honest when expressing concerns.
"However, I was completely unaware of discussions surrounding a candidate that took place in July 2023. Following the story being published, there is a potential risk to the reputation of our party and the leadership contest moving forward. I have yet to be contacted by the Leadership team about these events and I find this regrettable.
"It is for these reasons that I am no longer able to continue in my role.
"Thank you for the opportunity to serve as Deputy Leader."
Robertson is understood to have turned down his offer, which also involved installing the current favourite to replace him, Russell Findlay, in his place.
Leadership candidates Murdo Fraser, Liam Kerr, Jamie Greene, and Brian Whittle have since signed a joint letter to the party's management board - on which Ross sits - raising concerns about the story and demanding answers before the contest continues.
Following Gallacher's statement, Findlay remains the only candidate not to speak out on the allegations made against Ross.
I'm grateful to @MGallacherMSP for all her work as Deputy Leader and wish her and her family all the best for the future. pic.twitter.com/uPs7r5jeAc
— Douglas Ross MSP (@Douglas4Moray) August 16, 2024
Responding to Gallacher's resignation, Ross failed to address the allegations about his conduct.
He said: "Dear Meghan,
"Thank you for your letter and it is with regret that I accept your resignation as Deputy Leader.
"It has been a pleasure to work with you over the last two years to take the Scottish Conservative Party forward and challenge the SNP Government.
"In your time as Deputy Leader, you have many achievements for which you can be rightly proud.
"Your work in chairing the Policy Board has seen the party membership be consulted and have input into our policy making process. In addition, you played a major role in the recent General Election, campaigning with candidates right across Scotland.
"You also contributed significantly to our party's opposition to Nicola Sturgeon's Gender Recognition Reform Bill in its early stages and championed the implementation in full of the Cass Review in Scotland.
"I know that as MSP for the Central Scotland region you will continue to fight for protections for women and children.
"I accept your reasoning that as you are a candidate in the leadership election you have felt it necessary to resign your party role to avoid any conflict of interest.
"As you know, I have committed to remaining neutral in this contest and will remain in post until a successor is chosen by the membership next month.
"However, on behalf of myself and the whole party, can I take this opportunity to thank you for your work as Deputy Leader and wish you, Graeme and Charlotte all the best for the future."
