Turmoil in Scottish Tory Ranks: Deputy Leader Meghan Gallacher Resigns Amidst Leadership Contest Controversy

Deputy Leader of the Scottish Conservatives, Meghan Gallacher, Steps Down During Leadership Dispute

Meghan Gallacher has resigned, following a letter from four fellow candidates to the party, raising "serious questions" about the alleged behavior of leader Douglas Ross.

Friday, August 16, 2024, 7:

Meghan Gallacher has resigned from her position as the deputy leader of the Scottish Conservatives.

Amidst worries that the leadership race may be jeopardized, there are emerging reports regarding Douglas Ross's purported behavior during the general election.

Ms. Gallacher, among six MSPs vying for Mr. Ross's former leadership position, stated that she must step down from her role as deputy leader to avoid any potential damage to the party's reputation.

She expressed serious concern on X about Telegraph articles claiming that Mr. Ross allegedly sought to take over from Moray West, Nairn, and Strathspey Tory candidate Kathleen Robertson in July 2023—a claim he has refuted.

Ms. Gallacher stepped down following a joint letter from four other contenders—Murdo Fraser, Brian Whittle, Liam Kerr, and Jamie Greene—calling on the party to address significant concerns raised by recent allegations.

The candidates vying for leadership stated that they required clarifications for the competition to "move forward."

In a written communication to Mr. Ross, Ms. Gallacher expressed, "I had no knowledge of the conversations about a candidate that occurred in July 2023. After the article was released, there could be a possible threat to our party's reputation and the future of the leadership race."

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She expressed disappointment that the leadership team had failed to reach out to her in her role as deputy since the emergence of the allegations.

Ms. Gallacher mentioned her run for leadership as a factor in her decision to resign, explaining that continuing as deputy presented a "conflict of interest."

She informed Mr. Ross, "I'm unable to help you since I've been barred from participating in any broadcast or media activities for the party during my candidacy."

"I am deeply saddened to submit my resignation from the position of deputy leader."

Mr. Ross expressed: "I reluctantly accept your resignation from the position of deputy leader.

"It has been gratifying collaborating with you for the past two years to advance the Scottish Conservative Party and to confront the SNP government."

He acknowledged her explanation regarding "conflict of interest" issues, and further stated, "I have pledged to stay impartial in this competition."

According to the Telegraph, Mr. Ross is reported to have confessed to Ms. Robertson that he preferred Westminster over Holyrood. Despite being offered a chance to run for a Holyrood seat in 2026, she reportedly declined to step down.

According to the newspaper, Mr. Ross expressed to her his preference for Russell Findlay to succeed him as the leadership candidate.

Find out more: Who are the potential successors to Douglas Ross? MSP labels Murdo Fraser's campaign as 'terrible' following a WhatsApp mishap.

A correspondence authored by Mr. Fraser, Mr. Whittle, Mr. Kerr, and Mr. Greene stated: "As individuals vying for the helm of the Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, we find ourselves profoundly troubled by the recent allegations surfacing about Douglas Ross's behavior during his campaign to secure nominations for several constituencies in the latest general election.

The documents additionally mention his ideas and choices for a successor to lead the party after he steps down, which are important for the openness and integrity of the ongoing leadership race we are involved in.

"These claims present significant concerns for the party that, in our view, need to be addressed prior to the continuation of the ongoing leadership race."

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Mr. Ross had earlier dismissed the idea of running for a Westminster seat, choosing instead to concentrate on his responsibilities at Holyrood and his role representing the Highlands and Islands.

In a reversal during the 2024 campaign, he declared his candidacy for the Aberdeenshire North and Moray East seat, attracting additional scrutiny when former MP David Duguid claimed he was removed from his position due to health issues just one night prior to the announcement.

Mr. Ross declared his intention to resign from his position as the leader of the party.

He was defeated by the SNP for his seat and is now facing demands from nationalist members to step down from the Scottish Parliament.

Mr. Ross disclosed to the Telegraph that he arranged the meeting with Ms. Robertson following requests from local constituents, aiming to confirm her continued intention to run for the seat.

He mentioned, "She affirmed her candidacy and I subsequently joined her campaign, optimistic that she would secure victory in the new district."

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Addressing the Telegraph's assertion that Mr. Ross had expressed to Ms. Robertson his desire for Mr. Findlay to succeed him as the leader at Holyrood, he clarified to the publication, "During the leadership race, I have consistently refrained from commenting on the candidates or the competition, aside from affirming my intention to stay in charge until a new leader is chosen. I will continue to stay neutral in this matter."

A spokesperson for the Scottish Conservatives stated: "This issue pertains to a private discussion between Douglas Ross and Kathleen Robertson and should not involve the party.

"Several months afterward, Kathleen Robertson independently notified both the chairman and the party director of the meeting, expressing her desire for the issue to be kept private and requesting that they take no additional action."

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