Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Murdo Fraser has refused to confirm that he will stand for the vacant post of Scottish Conservative leader.
The Perthshire-based politician has been widely tipped as a possible successor to Annabel Goldie, who announced she would step down after six years in the job following the party’s disappointing result in May’s election.
Jackson Carlaw (52) yesterday became the first Tory MSP to announce he would be running for the post. “It is my intention to stand,” said the West of Scotland MSP. I consulted widely over the summer. I believe I have a significant degree of support.”
But speaking to The Courier on Wednesday, Mr Fraser would only say he is “actively considering” entering the contest. He added, “I have always believed that the Conservative Party in Scotland needs a vigorous debate about its future direction.
“It will be a great opportunity to have that debate in the context of a lively leadership election. I welcome Jackson being a candidate and offering a different vision for the future of the party.”
Mr Fraser (45), the deputy leader of the Scottish Tories, has represented the Mid Scotland and Fife region since 2001 and is a former chairman of the Scottish Young Conservatives.
Mr Carlaw, who is married with two sons, will stand on a 25-year record with the party. He is also a former chairman of the Scottish Young Conservatives and a previous board member of the UK Conservatives. He was the party’s health spokesman in the previous parliament, now holds the transport brief and should have a good level of membership support.
It is widely expected that new MSP Ruth Davidson will also stand in the leadership contest. The former BBC journalist grew up in Lundin Links in Fife but now lives in Glasgow, where she is a list MSP.
John Lamont (35), who has twice won the Borders seat, announced last week that he would not stand as he wants to concentrate on constituency issues.
The Tories won 15 seats in May’s Scottish Parliament election two fewer than in 2007.
A party conference at Dunblane Hydro in September will confirm new rules on electing a leader, with the incumbent expected to be announced after a party ballot on November 4. The contest will mark the first time the Conservatives have elected a leader for all of Scotland, not just the MSP group.