From Crime Journalist to Leadership Contender: Russell Findlay Announces Bid for Scottish Conservative Leadership

Russell Findlay MSP has declared his intention to run for the leadership of the Scottish Conservatives, aiming to succeed Douglas Ross. Mr. Findlay, who previously worked as a crime reporter, survived an acid attack in 2015 after being targeted by an attacker posing as a postal worker at his home.

Scottish journalist @Jenster13

Monday, July 22, 2024, 1:

MSP Russell Findlay has declared his intention to replace Douglas Ross as the leader of the Scottish Conservatives.

Mr. Findlay, who previously worked as a journalist and currently serves as the Conservative justice spokesperson in Holyrood, has become the first party member to formally declare his candidacy in the race.

Multiple coworkers are being considered as possible candidates for leadership roles, such as current deputy leader Meghan Gallacher, chairman Craig Hoy, and Murdo Fraser, the spokesperson for business, economic growth, and tourism.

Mr. Ross had earlier declared his intention to resign as the head of the party after the general election.

The decision to not select David Duguid to run for the newly established Aberdeenshire North and Moray East constituency in the upcoming general election has sparked significant backlash.

Mr. Ross, who stepped in for Mr. Duguid, was unsuccessful in his bid to return to Westminster, where he had formerly served as the MP for Moray.

He will maintain his position as a Member of the Scottish Parliament for the Highlands and Islands region.

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Since 2021, Mr. Findlay has served as the Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) for West

He has held positions as a reporter at STV News, the Scottish Sun, and the Sunday Mail.

His probe into Margaret Fleming's vanishing aided in the conviction of her murderers.

As a writer, Mr. Findlay has authored several books on organized crime. In 2015, he suffered an acid attack by an individual posing as a postman at his front door.

In 2017, the perpetrator received a 15-year extended sentence, consisting of 10 years of incarceration followed by five years of supervised release into society.

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On Monday, Mr. Russell declared his candidacy, expressing his conviction that his party presents an opportunity to significantly improve Scotland.

He stated: "It's essential that we shift our focus from mainly opposing independence to spearheading a patriotic conservative movement that champions aspiration and ambition."

"People understand that we belong to the union. They should discover why we lean towards conservatism.

"I identify as a conservative due to my belief in individual autonomy. I hold the conviction that everyone deserves the opportunity to achieve as much as their talents and hard work will allow."

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Mr. Findlay stated that his party needs to articulate an inspiring outlook that resonates with the desires, aspirations, and necessities of common folks across all of Scotland.

He emphasized, "It's essential that we offer realistic, actionable, and sensible proposals that will substantially improve daily life."

"I aim to spearhead a fresh conservative initiative with the goal of proving ourselves worthy of governance in the future."

"Come together with me to create the conservative movement that Scotland requires."

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Scottish parliamentarians Rachael Hamilton, Miles Briggs, and Douglas Lumsden are showing their support for Mr. Findlay.

Ms. Hamilton, the MSP representing Ettrick, Roxburgh, and Berwickshire, shared on X, "Russell possesses the enthusiasm and vigor necessary to sway the public."

"That is why I am supporting him to become the next head of the Scottish Conservatives."

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