Davidson back in the frontline

Ruth Davidson will pledge to end the “constitutional games” in Scotland as she makes her return to frontline politics today.

The Edinburgh Central MSP will set out her stall to become First Minister of Scotland in two years at the next Holyrood election.

The Tory leader, who has been on maternity leave for the past year, will make the keynote address to the Tories Scottish Spring conference in Aberdeen.

Ms Davidson’s absence has seen Nicola Sturgeon unveil plans to stage a second referendum on Scottish independence late next year in response to the Brexit chaos.

The Tory leader will say: “At the election in 2021, here’s the choice that people will face. The SNP saying ‘ we KNOW we’ve had 14 years, but give us another five’.

“Arguing that they can’t make things better without putting us all through another referendum first. So it’s always going to be the case that their focus is on delivering that, not delivering peoples’ priorities.

“I have a more positive view of Scotland’s future.”

“I reject their mantra that says we have to have a break up before we can possibly hope to prosper.

“I don’t see Scotland as subjugated, put upon or as held back.

“Our message is that we can prosper now.”

The Tory leader pledged a new focus on standing up for the “quality of life” of the people of Scotland.

“As First Minister, I won’t use every engagement with the UK government as a chance to sow division,” Ms Davidson will add.

“I’ll use it as a chance to deliver better government for the people who live here.

“And I’ll make a firm guarantee now: If I am elected Scotland’s next First Minister, there will be no more constitutional games and no more referenda. We’ve had enough to last a lifetime.”