Two of the contenders for the Scottish Conservative leadership have dropped out of the race and backed veteran MSP Murdo Fraser for the top job.
Liam Kerr and Jamie Greene had previously announced their intention to run to replace Douglas Ross.
But at Fraser’s official campaign launch in Perth on Thursday both men appeared in the hall and gave speeches.
It leaves three MSPs in contention to become Scottish Conservative leader – Russell Findlay, Fraser and Meghan Gallacher.
Greene told the audience in Perth he would take his own bid for the leadership no further, saying Fraser is the only candidate with the “gumption” to turn things around for the party.
Kerr had a similar message, saying the party must unite under a “strong, experienced and respected leader”.
MSP Brian Whittle, who had dropped out of the contest on Tuesday, also gave his backing to Fraser.
It comes after the race was thrown into turmoil last week when candidates signed a letter to Ross questioning the fairness of the leadership process.
On the same day, Gallacher stood down as Ross’s deputy due to the “concerning allegations”.
It was reported that the current party leader had sought to quit a year ago and asked another colleague to step aside in a constituency so he could return for Westminster. Ross had publicly said he wanted to focus on Holyrood.
The party leader denied the claims, which his MSPs called “disturbing”.
Findlay, who has been considered the frontrunner and was reportedly Ross’s favourite to replace him, said the past week had shown his party in a “poor light” and said “legitimate questions” must be answered.
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