By Aileen Robertson

SCOTLAND’S ONLY Conservative MP has admitted Carrie Ruxton’s selection for the Dunfermline and West Fife by-election was aimed at changing the party’s image.

It follows Fife Tory leader Stuart Randall’s claim that he was left out of the shortlist for being “far too old and middle-aged to fit the bill.”

After his appointment as new Conservative leader, David Cameron outlined plans to introduce more women and ethnic minority MPs.

David Mundell, Tory MP for Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale, said, “Members could have chosen a man. There was a man on the shortlist. But I think it is very positive that members are prepared to select a young woman and select a single parent. It shows stereotypes people have about the party are no longer valid.

“I can’t comment on the unhappiness of an individual but I hope Stuart will be the good Conservative and throw himself into Carrie’s campaign.”

Shortlisted with Ms Ruxton were single mother Davina Rankin and student Maurice Golden—picked as the “token male,” said Mr Randall.

He said, “It insults the intelligence of west Fife voters. It’s sad they think so little of Carrie Ruxton and female candidates in general that they feel they have to chop off the opposition.”

Many party members boycotted the selection meeting, as they were “appalled” at the way things had been handled, the councillor added.

“It’s been a shabby arrangement. There were three prospective candidates speaking to an audience of five. I’ve spent almost all day answering Emails and phone calls from people appalled by what has happened.

“Fellow activists from all over Scotland have been in touch and people who fear the same thing could happen to them. We’re told local government can be a springboard to a parliamentary career, but when a seat becomes available get left off the short list.

“There were no Conservatives on Fife Council until I was elected in 1999. I didn’t uproot myself to some leafy suburb. I have worked hard to raise the Conservatives’ profile in Fife and have been denied the opportunity to show what I am capable of—fighting a strong local campaign.

“They have put gender and public image above local knowledge and commitment to the area.

“It’s not David Cameron’s fault. He has, rightly, not interfered and trusted the Scottish party to do what’s right. But they may be the people to end his honeymoon period. The Dunfermline and West Fife by-election is the first electoral test of his leadership.”