Tensions exposed as Scottish Tory leadership candidates grill each other in TV debate

The three candidates vying to be the next leader of the Scottish Conservatives have grilled each other in a TV debate on Scotland Tonight.

Russell Findlay, Meghan Gallacher and Murdo Fraser traded blows on the economy, toxicity in politics and conservative values.

Each candidate had the opportunity to cross-examine one another, before fielding questions from STV political editor Colin Mackay.

The debate took place amid a tumultuous backdrop for the party following a dismal general election result and a leadership campaign – sparked by Douglas Ross’ resignation – that has been marred by political infighting.

Ahead of the debate, it was revealed Findlay had won the backing of all five of the party’s MPs.

Findlay denies he is the establishment candidate

The former journalist was portrayed by Fraser as the “establishment candidate” following a newspaper report that suggested Ross said he should be replaced by Findlay.

“The first I knew of that was when I read it in the newspaper that day,” Findlay said during the debate.

“My job is not about dwelling on these machinations of the inner workings of the party or taking part in any form of blue-on-blue attacks, but to build a consensus, build a team at Holyrood and put forward credible Scottish Conservative policies.”

“It’s a curious charge. I’m not a career politician. I’ve got a life outwith the Holyrood bubble. I spent almost 30 years working as a journalist, working and helping people across Scotland and that’s why I bring a fresh perspective to politics.”

The Daily Telegraph reported last month that Ross met with Westminster candidate Kathleen Robertson in July 2023 and raised the prospect of him replacing her at the 2024 general election.

Gallacher resigned as party deputy leader last month over the “concerning allegations”, saying she believed there was a “potential risk to the reputation of our party and the leadership contest”.

She said: “I wasn’t frozen out, there was a small tent. I wasn’t always in the room when discussions were taking place. I’m not getting into the blue-on-blue, that is not how I’m running my campaign at all.”

Fraser, meanwhile, said it was important to get the Conservative party right internally, which meant “fixing the internal workings and giving members more of a say.”

He added: “More importantly is getting the message right to the people of Scotland. We need to have a set of positive Conservative policies that people can relate to and communicate them.”

Supporting Labour to stop SNP?

Fraser said he couldn’t see any circumstances in which the Tory party would put the SNP back into power, adding that any support for Labour leader Anas Sarwar would depend on the outcome of negotiations.

“I wouldn’t give anybody a free pass. If you look at Labour’s policies, if you take out the constitution, Labour’s policies are almost as bad – sometimes worse – than those of the SNP, so let’s not give Labour a free pass.

“If they want our support, let’s sit down and have a conversation.”

Gallacher agreed she would enter negotiations with Labour but it would come down to the policies she thinks are important. “That’s pockets, parents, properties, pensioners and protections. If we could get a deal on that then we could wait and see.”

Findlay said life is not a popularity contest and he wants to show the people of Scotland that “we are on their side”.

Have the candidates ever taken illegal drugs?

Findlay refused to say if he’s taken illegal drugs, after previously sidestepping the question earlier in the leadership campaign.

He said: “This is far too nuanced. I spent decades taking on organised crime gangs that cause misery dealing illegal drugs in Scotland. Last week, almost 1,200 people died of drugs in Scotland – I would rather talk about the serious issue of drugs deaths in Scotland than treat it like a parlour game.”

Gallacher said she wouldn’t be drawn into the issue, whereas Fraser said politicians should give honest answers and admitted to smoking a joint as a student.

OPENING STATEMENTS

“The next few weeks will be important in determining the future of our party. Scotland knows what we stand against; it’s time to show them what we stand for. I have plans to reset, rebuild and restore our party; to reach out to voters who have never voted for the Scottish Conservatives before and to empower our members. So it’s time – let’s reset, rebuild and restore our party together.”

“Our party faces unprecedented challenges after a difficult general election result. We face being squeezed by Labour on one side and Reform on the other. We can’t just keep on doing what we’ve been doing in the past – that’s why I’m standing for real change; real change to give this party back to our members and involve the members much more. And real change is our message – we can’t just say no to independence all the time, we need to have a positive vision for the future of Scotland and set out policies to improve people’s lives.”

“My name is Russell Findlay and I am standing to lead the Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party. I am determined to change our party and get us winning again. If elected, I will champion conservative, common sense values, aspiration, ambition and decency. I’m proud to have already won the support of MPs, MSPs, councillors across Scotland and I would be delighted to secure your support as well.”

Cross-examination – Meghan Gallacher

Findlay asked Gallacher questions about growing the economy, housing and how to deal with disruptive pupils in schools.

Fraser used his allotted time to ask about David Duguid, toxicity in politics and blue-on-blue political infighting during the Conservative leadership race.

Cross-examination – Russell Findlay

Fraser asked if Findlay was the establishment candidate in the race, as well as probing on issues such as social security and benefits.

Gallacher wanted to know how Findlay planned to unify the party if elected leader including policies to unify the grassroots. She also asked about how he would attract more women into the party and how he would ensure women with childcare needs could have a successful career.

Cross-examination – Murdo Fraser

Gallacher asked how Fraser would establish a commission to look into the structure of the Scottish Conservative party, as well as how he would grow the economy.

Findlay also went on the economy, with a particular focus on aspiration, and also asked Fraser how he would articulate the party’s vision and conservative values.

Over the 25-year life of the Scottish Parliament, there have been five leaders of the Scottish Conservatives – the sixth leader will be announced later this month.

Nominations for the leadership race have now closed and ballots are being sent to members on September 4.

The winner will be announced on September 27.

Catch the full debate on STV at 10.40pm on Monday night or on the STV Player.

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