Leadership winner Carlaw setting stage for policy changes

Hints at shift in Scottish Conservatives’ austerity stance

Jackson Carlaw has been elected leader of the Scottish Conservatives, promising to “bring an end” to the SNP’S 13 years in government.

Mr Carlaw received 4,971 votes to contender Michelle Ballantyne’s 1,581.

In his victory speech he announced there would be a “change” to Scottish Tory policies.

He also compared Nicola Sturgeon’s government to the “tired” Tory John Major government of the 1990s.

It was hinted the party could change its position on austerity, with a review to be set up to decide on “controversial” policy changes, including the two-child benefit cap.

“The SNP government is morally and politically bankrupt. It has nothing new to say or offer,” he said.

“The country is entering this decade in a worse position than it was a year ago.

“I remember the Major government winning an election in the spring then being out of office after that. I think the SNP government are in that position.

“As we go into next year’s election, they are there to be replaced and I am convinced the Scottish Conservatives will do that.”

He continued: “If the SNP want to rely on a result like the Major government did they are being very foolish.

“They are a failing government and have failed considerably since the start of this year. I don’t think they have woken up to the fact there is a change in the mood in Scotland, and we are determined we will provide them with an alternative.”

SNP depute leader Keith Brown accused Mr Carlaw of being a “parrot” for Boris Johnson’s Westminster government.

He said: “Congratulations to Jackson Carlaw on winning the Scottish Tory leadership race.

“Of course, with Jackson having run the party through their general election collapse, this is a case of ‘meet the new boss – same as the old boss’.

“The big test for Mr Carlaw will be whether he will stand up for Scotland’s interests against Boris Johnson.

“He used to say that Boris Johnson wasn’t fit to be prime minister. He was right, but then he campaigned for precisely that.

“Just as they went from Remainers to hard Brexiteers, it’s obvious that the Scottish Tories will continue to parrot whatever line they’re handed down from Westminster.”

Throughout his campaign Mr Carlaw had the support of the majority of the party’s MSPS.

Former leader Ruth Davidson pledged her “unwavering support”, but had remained neutral during the campaign.

During his acceptance speech, Mr Carlaw hinted at “controversial” changes to Scottish Conservative policy.

When asked what this would entail, he said: “It will involve a review of higher education, some of the welfare policies we have and I think it will also require us to come up with a fresh narrative for the union.

“I don’t want to be lazy and historical, I want it to be positive and forwardlooking.

“We will be looking at all these policies.

“That’s not to say I am prejudging what that will mean, but I do expect there will be some policies which will move on judging on the priorities for Scotland in the 2021 election, not the priorities which were required in the wake of the financial crisis more than a decade ago.”

The two-child benefit cap will be “subject to the review we are about to undertake”.

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The SNP government is morally and politically bankrupt. JACKSON CARLAW

Picture: PA. Jackson Carlaw speaks with the media after being confirmed as leader of the Scottish Conservatives.