Scottish Conservative Party leader Russell Findlay acknowledged "these are difficult times" for his party as he outlined plans to prioritise economic issues ahead of next year's Holyrood elections. Speaking at the Scottish fringe event during the UK Conservative Party conference in Manchester, Findlay said the party had "learned lessons since the general election".
Findlay insisted the party remains resilient despite recent setbacks. "But that's fine with me, because we are a party of resilience and resolve," he said. "We know that all of Britain needs a strong Conservative Party and we are going to deliver it."
Learning from electoral defeats
The Scottish Conservative leader admitted his party had made mistakes on key conservative principles. "On taxes, on immigration, on many conservative principles - we could and should have done better," Findlay said. "We are a new Conservative Party."
Findlay described extensive engagement with voters across Scotland since his election as leader. He said he had met workers in oil, gas and renewables in the north, farmers and hospitality workers in the south, apprentices and shop workers in the west, and nurses and tech entrepreneurs in the east.
Focus on cost of living
The most common concern raised by voters was financial pressure, according to Findlay. "Everything has become too expensive. Not just the punishing rates of income tax, but everyday living costs," he said. "Folk feel crushed under the weight of constantly rising prices."
Findlay targeted the Scottish National Party's economic record, calling it their "biggest failure". He criticised First Minister John Swinney (SNP), saying: "He talks a good game on the economy, but he is no financial magician - other than making people's wages disappear."
Criticism of Labour policies
The Conservative leader also attacked Labour's national insurance increases, linking them to Reform UK's rising poll numbers. "Their national insurance hike wasn't just a broken promise - it broke our economy," Findlay said. "It has cost jobs and investment, it has destroyed any chance of growing the economy."
Findlay dismissed Reform UK as fiscally irresponsible. "They have even less regard for sound money than the Labour party," he said. "They don't believe in fiscal responsibility, as we do. They are not conservatives."
Business strategy launch
Findlay announced plans to launch a comprehensive business strategy ahead of the Scottish Parliament election. "I am today launching our biggest policy programme drive in a generation," he said. The strategy will involve experienced MSPs working alongside business community members to produce detailed economic proposals.
Reform MSP Graham Simpson responded by criticising Conservative economic management. "The Tories broke Britain's economy - they don't get to lecture anyone now," Simpson said. "While Findlay takes his party further into irrelevance, Reform UK is focused on delivering a positive, forward-looking vision for Scotland."
Government response
Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes (SNP) defended the Scottish Government's economic record. "The Scottish Government has a proven record of prioritising economic growth and attracting investment, which has resulted in Scotland's tenth year as the top location for UK foreign investment outside of London," Forbes said.
Sources used: "PA Media" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
