THE SNP has accused Tory leader Ruth Davidson of “living in fear” of being wiped out in Scotland’s biggest city after she announced she will not stand again in Glasgow.
Instead of fighting for the chance to represent Glasgow, Davidson will seek election as an MSP in Edinburgh Central and also on the Lothians list.
The change comes after Davidson moved from Glasgow to the capital in February to direct the Scottish Conservatives’ General Election campaign and she has written to party members across Glasgow informing them of her decision.
But last night Glasgow Kelvin MSP Sandra White said: “Fresh from their worst election result in Scotland since 1865, the Tories are now so unpopular that their leader is clearly living in fear of the party being completely wiped out in Scotland’s biggest city.
“With the Tories’ austerity cuts continuing to hurt the working poor and their promises on extensive new powers for Scotland not being delivered, it’s no wonder that they find themselves in this humiliating position – and Ms Davidson can run but she can’t hide from her party’s toxic legacy in Scotland.”
Announcing her decision, Davidson said: “I believe standing for election in Edinburgh will help us maximise our support so that, come May next year, we return the largest number of Scottish Conservatives to Holyrood ever.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here