Friends and foes united in tributes to ‘fearless’ leader
BORIS Johnson yesterday led the praise for Ruth Davidson as she stood down as Scottish Conservative leader.
The Prime Minister said she had been ‘instrumental’ in the revival of the Tories north of the Border.
He also admitted he will miss her ‘incredible’ leadership in Scotland.
Miss Davidson was also praised by former prime minister David Cameron, who said the party owed her ‘an enormous debt’.
A series of figures from across the political divide paid tribute to the impact she has made in eight years as leader.
Miss Davidson said yesterday she was standing down in order to put family life first. She is engaged to partner Jen Wilson and they have a ten-month-old son, Finn.
Mr Johnson said: ‘On behalf of everyone in the Conservative and Unionist Party, I want to thank Ruth for her wonderful service over the last eight years. She has dedicated so much time and energy to the role and has been instrumental in the revival of our electoral fortunes in Scotland.
‘She should take immeasurable pride in the pivotal role she played during the Scottish independence referendum campaign, where her passionate support for our Union was crucial to the result.
‘I will miss the incredible leadership she has given to our party in Scotland, but I am delighted that she will continue to use her enthusiasm, passion and dedication to make the case for Scotland’s place in the United Kingdom from the backbenches and beyond. I wish Ruth, Jen and Finn all the best for the future.’
Although she has admitted differences of opinion with Mr Johnson, Miss Davidson insisted he was not the reason for her leaving and urged him to secure a Brexit deal. They had discussed her resignation on Wednesday evening.
Scottish Tory MPs and MSPs were not told until early yesterday morning that Miss Davidson would be announcing her resignation, although they were informed in a group message on Wednesday evening by Chief Whip Maurice Golden that she would be making an announcement.
She had a positive relationship with Mr Cameron when he was PM and worked closely with him during the independence referendum of 2014.
Yesterday, he said: ‘When I called for more non-political people to get involved in politics in 2009 I couldn’t have dreamed of a better candidate than Ruth Davidson.
‘Her brand of fearless, forthright Conservatism has transformed our party in Scotland and we owe her an enormous debt.
‘I know how difficult today’s decision must have been and I wish Ruth and her family all the best for the future.’
Rival politicians also praised Miss Davidson. On social media, Labour MSP Jenny Marra said: ‘Thoughts today with my pal Ruth Davidson. Whatever her reasons she will do it with grace. Politics is a brutal business but a huge privilege. She knows that more than most.’
Nicola Sturgeon said it was an ‘open secret’ there were ‘political factors’ for Miss Davidson’s resignation. But she added: ‘I wish Ruth well for the future. I know well the toll political leadership can take on family life and no one will grudge her more time with her young son. There will be opportunity later to discuss the politics of her decision. But for now, I’ll simply send my best wishes.’
Scottish Lib Dem leader Willie Rennie said: ‘There is little doubt Ruth Davidson has brought a spark of life to the Conservatives.’
Scottish Labour leader Richard Leonard said: ‘There is no doubt Ruth
‘Party owes her an enormous debt’
Davidson has been responsible for the increase in support for her party in Scotland and her departure as leader will be a massive setback for them.
‘However, the timing can be no coincidence and shows clearly that Boris Johnson’s conduct as Prime Minister isn’t acceptable, even to those who share his politics. I wish Ruth and her family all the best for the future.’
Federation of Small Businesses Scotland policy chairman Andrew McRae said: ‘It is more than disheartening that Scottish frontline politics is losing a straightforward, pro-business voice like Ruth Davidson’s, especially during this period of turmoil.
‘She has been a staunch friend of the FSB. We understand and respect her reasons for stepping back from the forefront of politics, but many will miss her contribution to Scottish public life.’