Michelle Ballantyne to stand against Jackson Carlaw in race to become next Scottish Tory leader

Michelle Ballantyne has announced that she is running to be the next leader of the Scottish Conservatives.

The South Scotland region MSP, a former nurse, has started her search for the 100 nominations she requires to be on the ballot paper against current interim leader Jackson Carlaw.

Writing in The Daily Telegraph, she said the Scottish Tories “need a leader with an ability to connect with voters” and that she was not a “career politician”.

🔊 I've announced that I'm running to be the next @ScotTories leader. I understand the challenges faced by people. I have:

👩🏼‍Worked in our NHS

💊 Headed up a drug & alcohol service

💼 Run a business

Join my campaign to beat the SNP #BackingBallantyne #BlueCollarRevolution https://t.co/qwqWAHjbOy

— Michelle Ballantyne (@MBallantyneMSP) January 7, 2020

Ms Ballantyne said it would be “simpler and quicker” to crown Mr Carlaw, the only other candidate so far, as the new leader but the 57-year-old said she was “placing the power in the hands of our members, where it rightly lies”.

© Andrew MacColl/Shutterstock

Mr Carlaw has the backing of senior figures including Murdo Fraser and Adam Tomkins and is the favourite to land the top job permanently.

As nominations open for leader of the Scottish Conservative & Unionist Party this morning, I can confirm I’ll be standing.

We must take the fight to Nicola Sturgeon and the SNP, broadening our platform and diversifying our party.

I’m ready for the fight. Join me #TeamJackson pic.twitter.com/CllpDXZzJT

— Jackson Carlaw MSP (@Jackson_Carlaw) January 6, 2020

Many of the party’s MSPs and MPS are also understood to be backing the Eastwood MSP.

January 17 is the deadline for nominations.