The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Davidson looks ready to quit top Scots Tory job
‘Family commitments’ cited as reason for her probable resignation as both colleagues and opponents offer support
Scottish Conservatives leader Ruth Davidson is expected to announce today she is stepping down from her position.
Ms Davidson, who has only recently returned as the Scottish party boss from maternity leave, is expected to cite “family commitments” as the reason for her resignation.
Party top brass would not be drawn last night as to when Ms Davidson would be making her announcement, but sources said her decision was not linked to yesterday’s actions of Prime Minister Boris Johnson but a mixture of personal and political reasons which had built up over months.
Ms Davidson has led the Scottish Conservatives since 2011, after beating Perth-based Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Murdo Fraser to succeed then-leader Annabel Goldie.
Under her leadership the Scottish Tories became the second-largest party at Holyrood, doubling the number of seats it held to 31.
She has been a vocal critic of Mr Johnson and during the race to succeed Theresa May, Ms Davidson backed first Sajid Javid and then Jeremy Hunt over the eventual winner.
Pamela Nash, chief executive of Scotland in Union, said: “Ruth’s leadership will be remembered for her relentless work making the case for Scotland to remain in the UK.
“Her departure as leader would be sad news for Scotland, which needs vocal champions to stand against the SNP’s divisive nationalism.
“It would be sad news for the UK, which needs a strong voice listened to across the country about the importance of keeping the UK together.
“And it would be sad news for women, who remain vastly under-represented in our politics.
“I wish her all the very best and I’m confident she will continue to play a major role in the vital campaign to protect Scotland’s place in the UK.”
Scottish Lib Dem leader Willie Rennie said others should follow Ms Davidson’s signal to “abandon ship”.
He said: “It is no surprise Ruth Davidson has run out of reasons to stand by this dangerous and power-hungry prime minister.
“There must be lots of other likeminded Conservatives who are horrified at this blatant abuse of power and can’t stomach being party to this destructive agenda any longer.
“They should take this as the signal to abandon ship.”
Conservative Work and Pensions Secretary Amber Rudd said: “Ruth Davidson is a wonderful talent and person and we owe her a tremendous debt for turning our fortunes around in Scotland.
“Our party is a better one with her in it and I hope she will continue to contribute to public life.”
Scottish Labour MSP Jackie Bailie said: “(I’m) sorry to hear that Ruth Davidson is standing down as leader.
“Whilst I disagree with her politics she brought energy to her role and revitalised the fortunes of the Tories in Scotland.
“Looks like she has delivered a resounding no-confidence vote in Boris.”
It is not known whether Ms Davidson will remain an MSP at Holyrood, where she represents Edinburgh Central.
She gave birth to her and her partner Jen Wilson’s child – Finn Davidson – in October 2018.
Educated at Buckhaven High School and a supporter of Dunfermline Athletic FC, Ms Davidson has previously spoken about ruling herself out as a potential leader of the UK Conservatives, saying it would have too much impact on her mental health.