THE Scottish Tories have appointed an Aberdeen oil tycoon and a member of the House of Lords to party leadership roles.
Alasdair Locke, who takes on the role of party chairman from MSP Craig Hoy after Russell Findlay became party leader in September, is the founder and chairman of petrol station forecourt operator Motor Fuel Group.
He is also chairman of First Property Group and the former executive chairman of oil and gas company Abbot Group.
He was previously found to be former leader Douglas Ross's biggest donor.
Lord Malcolm Offord, who served as a minister in the last Tory government in both the Scotland Office and the Department for Business and Trade, becomes party treasurer.
Findlay said he was “delighted” by the appointments, adding; “Their collective breadth of knowledge and experience is unrivalled, with widespread recognition and respect in Scotland’s business community and across the rest of the United Kingdom.
“Alasdair is recognised as one of Scotland’s leading entrepreneurs and we’re fortunate to welcome such a senior business leader as our chairman.
“His long-running support for our party has been unparalleled and I look forward to working with him even more closely in the future.
“Malcolm is also hugely respected in business and spent many years serving with distinction as a UK government minister.
“Securing the services of such prominent figures is consistent with our core Conservative values of aspiration and opportunity for all.”
The appointments prove the Scottish Tories to be the “party of business”, Findlay added.
MSP Pam Gosal (above) will act as deputy chairwoman.
Locke said it was a “privilege” to be in the position, adding: “I’m determined to deliver necessary changes to our party, so we can elect the maximum number of Scottish Conservative representatives as possible at every opportunity.
“Under Russell’s leadership, I know we can earn the trust of voters across Scotland and achieve successful results in the 2026 and 2027 elections.”
Lord Offord said Findlay “has the common sense values and the straight-talking approach that we need to hold the SNP and Labour governments to account”.
The Tories suffered a heavy defeat nationally in July’s general election, including the loss of one of its six Scottish seats, as Labour surged to become the largest party north of the border for the first time since 2010, winning 37 seats.
The Scottish Tories also appear worried about the threat of Reform UK ahead of the Holyrood election in 2026.
