Scottish Conservatives leader Russell Findlay has faced a significant setback after a new poll revealed that Scots would be less inclined to vote for someone who had previously supported Liz Truss. Findlay, who recently took over as the head of the Tories in Holyrood, replaced Douglas Ross earlier this month. However, his prior endorsement of Truss for the Prime Minister’s position in 2022 has triggered a strong negative response. Truss’s tenure in Downing Street was marked by economic turmoil and rising interest rates, leading to dissatisfaction among the Scottish electorate.
According to polling conducted by Savanta, 31% of Scots stated they would be less likely to support the Conservative Party with Findlay as their leader due to his past support for Truss, while only 4% indicated they would be more inclined to endorse the Tories. Findlay has since expressed regret for his endorsement, acknowledging that events did not unfold as he had anticipated. During the 2022 leadership election, the Tory MSP had released a video praising Truss for her “positive vision” and describing her as “optimistic and authentic.”
Wendy Chamberlain, the deputy leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats, remarked that the polling results would be a significant blow to Findlay, as the public is unlikely to sympathise with his previous backing of Truss. She criticised Truss’s policy decisions for exacerbating the cost-of-living crisis and causing financial turmoil, questioning Findlay’s judgment for supporting her. Chamberlain highlighted the shift of former Conservative voters to the Liberal Democrats, citing the latter’s advocacy for crucial issues such as healthcare and affordability.
In response, a spokesperson for the Scottish Conservatives emphasised the party’s commitment to addressing real-world concerns and distancing themselves from the perceived left-wing dominance in Scottish politics. The spokesperson criticised the Liberal Democrats for supporting contentious reforms and highlighted Findlay’s understanding of the public’s disillusionment with traditional politics. Findlay himself acknowledged his mistake in endorsing Truss, stressing the Conservatives’ responsibility to safeguard the country’s finances, a duty he felt Truss had failed to fulfil.
The aftermath of Findlay’s support for Truss has ignited debate within Scottish political circles, raising questions about leadership judgment and public perception. As Findlay navigates the fallout from his previous endorsement, the Scottish Conservatives face the challenge of rebuilding trust and credibility among voters. The implications of this poll on the party’s future electoral prospects remain to be seen, underscoring the complexity of political allegiances and voter sentiments in Scotland’s dynamic political landscape.