Getty ImagesThe deputy leader of the Scottish Conservatives has resigned from her role, citing “deeply troubling” claims made about Douglas Ross.
Meghan Gallacher said she was “completely unaware” of the allegations surrounding the party leader that led to four MSPs calling for the contest to be paused while “serious questions” are answered.
It’s claimed that Ross had planned to quit as leader a year ago to pursue a seat at Westminster, asking the leader of Moray Council to step aside to make way for him, in exchange for a seat at Holyrood.
Gallacher said the allegations risked the reputation of the party.
In a letter to Ross, she also said that as deputy leader she is “excluded from doing broadcast and media on behalf of my party as part of my candidacy” for the Tory leadership.
She said it had been a “privilege” serving as deputy for the last two years but announced with “great sadness” that should would step down from her role.
She will continue on as a candidate in the Scottish Conservative leadership race.
In her letter to Ross, she said: “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.”
In a statement on X, formerly Twitter, in response, Ross said: “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.”
He said he accepted her reasoning of “conflict of interest” concerns, and added: “I have committed to remaining neutral in this contest.”
Her resignation follows a letter sent out by four of the six candidates running in the contest to replace Ross who said the party has “serious questions” to answer about his alleged plot to leave Holyrood for Westminster last year.
A joint statement from Murdo Fraser, Brian Whittle, Liam Kerr and Jamie Greene expressed “deep concern” at the alleged conduct of the current party leader.
The Telegraph newspaper reports Ross had asked Moray Council leader Kathleen Robertson if he could replace her in Moray West, Nairn and Strathspey in July 2023 – a claim he denied.
It is also alleged he said he would prefer leadership candidate Russell Findlay – who did not sign the letter – to replace him.
According to the Telegraph, Ross met with the Moray Council leader last year, with sources alleging his “heart was in Westminster, not Holyrood”.
Robertson is said to have refused the request despite being promised selection as a Holyrood candidate in 2026.
Ross previously ruled out standing at Westminster to focus on his Holyrood priorities as leader and Highlands and Islands MSP.
But he U-turned during the 2024 election, announcing he would seek election in the Aberdeenshire North and Moray East seat, facing further criticism after former MP David Duguid said he was “deselected” the night before the announcement due to ill health.
Ross then announced he would step aside as party leader.
He lost the seat to the SNP on July 4 and now faces calls from the nationalists to resign from Holyrood.
Ross told the Telegraph he sought the meeting with Robertson at the request of local members to check she was “still committed to standing for the seat”.
He said: “She confirmed that she was and I then campaigned with her in the hope that she would win the new constituency.”
Findlay said he had “no knowledge of any conversations that have been reported”.
“I am standing to change our party and recent developments underline why change is so necessary,” he said.
“I am focused on running a positive campaign. I will continue to set out my vision to win over the public with common-sense, Conservative policy proposals that champion aspiration and opportunity.”
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