Eastwood MSP Jackson Carlaw quits as Scottish Conservatives leader

Mr Carlaw, who became leader of the party earlier this year following the resignation of Ruth Davidson, is stepping down with immediate effect.

In a statement, Mr Carlaw said that over the summer, he had had the chance to think hard about his role as leader of the Scottish Conservatives.

He continued: “Nothing is more important to me than making the case for Scotland’s place in the United Kingdom.

“I believe the Scottish Conservative and Unionist party is the most important voice in Scotland for setting out that positive argument. I am clear that nothing must get in the way of doing so.

“In the last few weeks, I have reached a simple if painful conclusion – that I am not, in the present circumstances, the person best placed to lead that case over these next vital months in Scottish politics prior to the Holyrood elections.

“Given the importance I attach to the job, I’ve therefore decided to stand down with immediate effect.

“It is not an easy call but I have spent a lifetime in politics holding to the maxim that party and country comes first.

“I believe I am doing my duty by holding to that view now.

“I simply believe that a new leader will be able, as we recover from the Covid emergency, to make the case for the Scottish Conservatives and the Union better than me. That is all that matters.”

Mr Carlaw added that he left the job with genuine pride over his time in office, both as interim leader and as leader for the last year.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson described Mr Carlaw as a “tremendous servant to the Scottish Conservative Party”.

“As an activist, deputy chairman, deputy leader and leader, he has given his all and deserves our thanks for his efforts,” said Mr Johnson.