The election of Russell Findlay as leader of the Scottish Conservatives shows their determination to hold onto the title of the nasty party, says Scottish Greens co-leader Patrick Harvie.
After a contentious leadership contest where his supporters were accused of lying to members about other candidates, Russell Findlay was elected with 61.7% of the vote.
Patrick Harvie MSP said:
“I’d obviously congratulate Russell Findlay on his election, but it does seem to confirm that the Scottish Tories are determined to hold on to the title of the nasty party, and to lurch ever further to the right.
“Like his colleagues, he was a cheerleader for Liz Truss, urging the Scottish Government to copy her disastrous plans.
“He backed the undermining of the Scottish Parliament through Section 35 and the new Internal Market Act.
“He’d rather cut taxes on the rich than fund public services.
“He’s an enthusiastic supporter of the Tory culture war agenda, punching down against marginalised people at every opportunity.
“And in the midst of the climate emergency he wants to hand multinational corporations more licences to drill for fossil fuel – something the world’s scientists are screaming at us to stop doing.
“In short, he’s probably a good fit for all the worst instincts of the Conservative Party.
“We’ve all seen the catastrophic consequences of Tory leadership over the last 14 years.
“Whether it’s Douglas Ross or Russell Findlay, I’m confident Scotland will continue its long and proud history of rejecting them at the ballot box.”
