STV NewsThe Scottish Conservative leadership contest has been thrown into turmoil after four out of the six candidates called for the race to be paused amid “disturbing claims” were made against Douglas Ross.
Murdo Fraser, Liam Kerr, Jamie Greene and Brian Whittle have all signed a letter calling for “transparency and fairness” after allegations were made against the current leader.
According to The Telegraph, Ross had tried to quit as leader last year and backed Russell Findlay, one of the MSPs running who did not sign the letter, to succeed him.
Ross reportedly invited Moray Council leader Kathleen Robertson to his home in July 2023 and asked to replace her as a candidate at the General Election for the Moray West, Nairn and Strathspey seat.
Ross told Robertson, the newspaper says, that he would quit as leader if she agreed, with sources alleging “his heart was in Westminster, not Holyrood”.
He allegedly said that if she agreed she would be selected for a Scottish Parliament seat in 2026 instead – but Robertson rejected the deal.
Ross denies these claims.
The Scottish Conservative leader stood down as head of the party just before his manifesto launch after fallout from his decision to replace David Duguid in Aberdeenshire North and Moray East, despite previously saying he would focus on Holyrood.
The party said Duguid was too sick to stand, a claim the former MP denies. Ross ultimately lost the seat to the SNP.
Following the claims, four MSPs running to replace Ross said the party has “serious questions” to answer.
The letter from the leadership candidates states: “As candidates for the leadership of the Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, we are deeply concerned by the disturbing claims reported today about the conduct of Douglas Ross in relation to his seeking candidacy for a number of seats in the recent General Election.
“The reports also reference his plans and preferences for a replacement leader to take over the party upon his departure which are relevant to the transparency and fairness of the current leadership contest we are participating in.
“These allegations raise serious questions for the party which, in our opinion, require to be answered before current leadership election proceeds further.”
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.”
On the Telegraph claim that Ross told Robertson he wanted Findlay to replace him as Holyrood leader, he told the newspaper: “Throughout the leadership election I have said absolutely nothing about the candidates or the contest, other than I will remain as leader until my successor is appointed. My decision to remain neutral throughout the contest will not change.”
The candidates’ letter to the management board also asks whether they believe Ross’s actions were an “appropriate way” to treat a female candidate.
The Scottish Tories and Robertson have been asked for comment.
STV NewsSNP MP Graham Leadbitter, who went on to win the Moray West, Nairn and Strathspey seat, said Ross should quit as an MSP if he sees Holyrood “as second best”.
He said: “If Douglas Ross’s heart isn’t in Holyrood he should resign.
“His bid to retain a seat at Westminster included a specific promise he would resign as an MSP if he was successful – it’s clear he’s neither happy nor focused on the job at Holyrood.
“Nor should a job as an MSP ever be seen as second best or as simply a back-up. This sorry saga has, again, put the Tories’ contempt for Scotland’s Parliament under the spotlight.”
Findlay and fellow leadership hopeful Meghan Gallacher are yet to comment on the allegations.
Nominations opened on Thursday and candidates are required to have the backing of 100 party members by noon on August 22.
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