SCOTTISH Tory MSPs are concerned that a “desperate” clique of senior party figures are looking to coronate Russell Findlay as the next group leader as infighting in the party breaks into the public domain.
Fears of an “establishment cabal” controlling the Scottish Tories’ direction have been raised by one senior activist, with The Times reporting that their comments “echo the private views of several MSPs”.
Findlay is seen as one of the favourites to take over from Douglas Ross as the leader of the Scottish Conservatives, while Murdo Fraser is spoken of as another potential option.
Fraser is seen as representing a side of the party which backs a breakaway from the UK Conservatives, while in an article for The Times on Friday, Findlay staked out the opposite position.
However, Findlay did say there needed to be a “review” of the Scottish Conservatives’ relationship with their UK bosses – and suggested the group had based its entire identity on opposition to independence.
The leadership favourite wrote: “We must move on from simply opposing independence. I just hope we don’t succumb to ironic obsession about our own party’s fragmentation.
“I want to stick together as a united party, but I also know it makes sense to have a sensible review of the best relationship between the Scottish and UK outfit.
“So let’s have that review, but let’s remember it’s our values and policies that will win future votes, not the structure of our party.”
However, The Times said that there has been “bitter” infighting within the Scottish Tories about what is seen as a stitch-up with the goal of installing Findlay as leader without a true contest.
Alastair Orr, a Tory activist for more than 30 years and vice-chairman of Stirling and Clackmannanshire Conservative Association, said: “What we are seeing is a desperate attempt by an establishment cabal in the Scottish Conservative Party to coronate Russell Findlay as the next leader of the party.
“This would be an ill-judged outcome, as there is a strong desire from members and activists for a contest among MSPs, where the future direction of the party can be openly discussed.
“For too long, decisions concerning policy ideas and campaign strategies have been in the hands of too few people. This unhealthy situation must end.”
Orr’s comments were said to reflect private views of some MSPs.
Jamie Greene, who has been spoken of as another potential future leader of the Scottish Tories, has called for a proper contest to replace Ross.
Earlier this week, also writing in The Times, Greene said his party could face “political extinction” if they do not have a wide debate on the future leadership of the party.
The Tories slumped to their lowest-ever vote share at a Scottish General Election in the poll on July 4, returning five MPs north of the Border but just 13% of the votes.
Ross was forced into a humiliating resignation in the middle of the election campaign after facing negative briefings from within his own party after he U-turned on pledges not to stand for Westminster.
He ran in the stead of former MP David Duguid, who was barred from standing by party bosses on the basis of ill health – which Duguid denied.
Ross was humiliated again after being beaten in Aberdeenshire North and Moray East by SNP candidate Seamus Logan.
A Scottish Conservative spokesperson said previously: “The management board will meet soon to agree a timeline and format for the contest.”
