Carlaw defends use of former leaders

Jackson Carlaw has defended the Scottish Conservatives’ use of former leaders in their election campaign following suggestions that Ruth Davidson’s departure has left a “vacuum” at the top of the party.

Ms Davidson resigned as Scottish Tory chief in August and the party is yet to outline plans for a leadership election to replace her.

Speaking at a campaign event in Perth, Mr Carlaw said he is “delighted” his party can use former leaders – including Ms Davidson and Annabel Goldie – in campaign materials, in contrast to opposition parties.

Asked about a leaflet being handed out at the event on Perth’s High Street which does not feature Mr Carlaw, the interim leader said: “I think the Labour Party were putting election leaflets out from Gordon Brown in the last general election and he hasn’t been the prime minister since 2010.

“We are absolutely delighted that we’ve got former leaders that we’re able to use in this campaign.

“I doubt the SNP will be using Alex Salmond, I doubt the Labour Party will be using Kezia Dugdale.

“Our former leaders are still very much active in the party and an electoral asset, and we’ll be using both Annabelle Goldie and Ruth Davidson during this general election.”

Speaking about his own role, he added: “I’ll be on plenty of the election literature and leaflets that go out as we go forward.

“As I’ve said, we’re quite happy to use our former leaders in our election literature.

“We are a team of Scottish Conservatives fighting in this campaign. which is about stopping Nicola Sturgeon, a second independence referendum and getting Brexit sorted – and that will be the message that we’re communicating.”

When asked if some may view the party as having a “vacuum” due to a lack of a permanent leader, Mr Carlaw insisted: “There is no vacuum at the top of the party.

“I’m directing the campaign and the campaign will be to stop Nicola Sturgeon’s second independence referendum and to get Brexit sorted.”

Picture: Kenny Smith. Jackson Carlaw.