Leader of the Scottish Conservative Party explained

Post:Leader
Insignia:ScottishConservativeLogo2022.png
Insigniasize:250px
Insigniacaption:Logo for the Scottish Conservative Party
Type:Party leader
Incumbent:Russell Findlay
Incumbentsince:27 September 2024
Inaugural:Ruth Davidson (as Leader)
Body:the Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Precursor:Leader of the Conservative Party in the Scottish Parliament

The leader of the Scottish Conservative Party (officially the leader of the Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party) is the highest position within the Scottish Conservative Party. The current holder of the position is Russell Findlay, who was elected to the position on 27 September 2024, replacing Douglas Ross.

If the Scottish Conservative Party were to be in Scottish Government, the leader would usually become the First Minister of Scotland as well as appointing the Scottish cabinet.

Background

The position of Leader of the Scottish Conservative Party was created in 2011. The new position of Scottish party leader was created following the recommendations of the Sanderson Commission.[1] Prior to the creation of the post, the leader was Leader of the Scottish Conservative Party in the Scottish Parliament (1999–2011).

Leaders of the party

Leader
(birth–death)
Took officeLeft officeElection
Ruth Davidson
(born 1978)
4 November 201129 August 20192011
Jackson Carlaw
(born 1959)
29 August 201930 July 2020Feb 2020
Douglas Ross
(born 1983)
5 August 202027 September 2024Aug 2020
Russell Findlay
(born 1972 or 1973)
27 September 20242024

Notes and References

  1. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/shared/bsp/hi/pdfs/26_11_10_toryreport.pdf Sanderson Commission report