Greene: Tory downfall due to Findlay and Badenoch’s leadership

The Scottish Conservatives’ downward spiral has accelerated as a result of their lurch to the right under Kemi Badenoch and Russell Findlay, Scottish Liberal Democrat economy spokesperson Jamie Greene has said.

He went on to say that moderate, pro-UK voters who backed Ruth Davidson could find a home in the Scottish Lib Dems as he has. 

Mr Greene made his remarks as the two Tory bosses gathered in Edinburgh to address their remaining supporters.  

Greene, who is standing in Inverclyde, left the Scottish Tories to join the Liberal Democrats just over a year ago, pointing to the Tories abandonment of the centre ground and their race to compete with Nigel Farage’s Reform UK. 

Under Findlay and Badenoch, the Scottish Tories have seen their polling numbers tumble, with some polls showing that they will go from second place to being the smallest party represented at Holyrood, with Russell Findlay at risk of losing his seat.

Jamie Greene said: 

“Russell Findlay and Kemi Badenoch have dragged the Tory party so far to the right that it’s not surprising that your average Lib Dem canvassing session generates more buzz than their press conference. 

“When I left, I said it was because of this rightward shift and, if the polls are anything to go by, a whole lot of people who previously backed the Tories thought the same thing and have walked out. 

“The sensible, compassionate, pro-UK voters who backed Ruth Davidson now have a new home in Scottish politics with the Liberal Democrats, and they can show it by backing us on the peach ballot paper wherever they are.

“While the Tories continue to obsess over culture war issues and making life harder for the most vulnerable, the Scottish Liberal Democrats are fighting for change with fairness at its heart, including better GP and NHS dentist access, fixing the crisis in care, and supporting small business.”