Scottish Conservatives appoint new chairman and deputy leader

Scottish Conservative MSP Meghan Gallacher has been appointed as the party’s new deputy leader.

Craig Hoy, MSP for South Scotland, has been named as the new Scottish Conservative Party chairman.

The changes were made following the Scottish council elections, in which the party lost 63 councillors.

Hoy replaces Rab Forman, who had been chairman of the party since taking up the position in 2015.

The new @ScotTories Deputy Leader, @MGallacherMSP 👇

"I’m honoured to be asked to be Deputy Leader and I can’t wait to get started.

“We are determined to win back the trust of every Scottish Conservative voter who backed the party in last year’s election.” pic.twitter.com/WagIPVEhCU
— Scottish Conservatives (@ScotTories) May 9, 2022

Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross announced the appointments of Gallacher and Hoy on Monday.

“As we turn to the challenges ahead, I am delighted to appoint Craig Hoy MSP to the role of party chairman and Meghan Gallacher MSP to the deputy leader post,” he said.

“In a short space of time, Craig has proven to be incredibly hard working. He will bring an umatched drive and energy to the role.

“Meghan has a bright future in our party. She is an outstanding local representative for her constituents and I am sure she will prove to be just as effective in this new position.”

Ross also praised the outgoing Forman for his work as chairman of the Scottish Conservatives.

“I want to offer my sincere thanks to Rab Forman, who has been a fantastic, devoted servant to the party for many years,” said Ross.

“At my request, Rab willingly agreed to stay on after last year’s election to provide stability in the first year of a new Scottish Parliament term while we also appointed a new Party Director.

“After a successful period as honorary secretary, Rab became chairman in 2015.

“During that time, he has presided over the renaissance of the Scottish Conservative Party and been the steady hand on the tiller under three leaders.

“Rab was our chairman for excellent Scottish Parliament results in 2016 and 2021, as well as our most successful general elections and local elections. He has made a significant contribution to that success.

“He leaves the job of party chairman with the best wishes and gratitude of everyone in our party.”