Scottish Tories suffer worst ever Holyrood result under Russell Findlay

Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay has led his party to its worst ever Holyrood election result.

The former journalist took the helm of the party less than two years ago, in a leadership contest brought about after his predecessor Douglas Ross quit midway through the 2024 Westminster election campaign.

With that election fought at a time when support for the Tories across the UK was falling, Mr Findlay promised change under his command – telling voters across Scotland the party would “work hard” to regain their trust.

But since then his leadership has been impacted by the rise of Reform UK – with one of his MSPs in the previous parliament defecting to Nigel Farage’s party.

With Reform now the joint second largest party at Holyrood, they have eclipsed the Scottish Tories – who have fallen to fifth place in with 12 MSPs.

That was despite his appeal to voters – yet again – that they should back his party to prevent an SNP majority and thus see off the prospect of another Scottish independence referendum.

Prior to entering Holyrood five years ago, Mr Findlay had worked for the party, and before that had a successful career as a journalist.

While working in that role, reporting on Scotland’s crime gangs, he was the victim of an acid attack.

Mr Findlay however managed to apprehend his assailant – who had been dressed as a postal worker delivering mail – detaining him until the police arrived on the scene.

He later said his personal experience of the justice system had played a part in leading him into politics, declaring back in 2022 he was “scunnered by Scotland’s justice system and determined to give voice to crime victims as an MSP”.

However, Mr Findlay also said he had become “increasingly concerned” Scotland under the SNP’s rule,  believing the party’s focus on independence meant public services suffered.

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After he announced he was standing to be Scottish Tory leader, Police Scotland warned Mr Findlay of a threat to his life by a “known criminal”.

However he insisted he was “not going to let gangland threats” stop him.

And during this election campaign he insisted he will still be leading his party at the 2031 Holyrood elections, declaring: “I’m not planning to go anywhere.

I’m the leader.”