Davidson warns Scottish Tory split would be ‘electoral suicide’

As Conservative MPs start to declare their candidacy for the Tory leadership race, north of the border conversations are heating up about who the next Scottish group leader will be. As Mr S wrote on Monday, so far the first official contender is justice spokesperson Russell Findlay – who announced his bid by penning a lengthy op-ed for the Scottish Daily Mail.

But as other potential rivals consider their positions, now former Scottish Tory leader Ruth Davidson has waded into the matter. As debate about the future of the party continues, Baroness Davidson of London Links has warned that splitting the Scottish group from the UK party would be ‘electoral suicide’. The ex-leader told the Mail:

I’ve never believed in breaking up the party. And, in Scotland, a divided party is a short route to electoral suicide. Splitting apart will alienate many members, activists and supporters. You’re either a Conservative and Unionist or you’re not… A split party is still a split party, however you slice it.