Russell Findlay reveals Scottish Tories' Holyrood election focus as constitution takes back seat
Russell Findlay faces his party suffering a difficult Holyrood election, according to the polls.
Under-pressure Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay will insist the cost-of-living crisis “should and will define” May’s Holyrood election.
Mr Findlay will launch his party’s campaign at a keynote speech in Edinburgh today, as the Tories brace for their vote, and their parliamentary seats, being squeezed by Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party in May.
The Scottish Conservatives have enjoyed success at the ballot box following the 2014 referendum by presenting the party as the protector of the Union, which they have argued has been under threat by the SNP.
But with the prospect of independence looking particularly unlikely, Mr Findlay is poised to focus on pressures facing householders, with the Tories not in government at Holyrood or Westminster.
READ MORE: Revealed: How Scottish Labour hopes it can turn tables on SNP and snatch power in Holyrood election
The Scottish Tory leader will tell party members in Edinburgh that the cost-of-living crisis remains the top concerns for voters across Scotland.
With the speech taking place ahead of next week’s Scottish Budget, to be delivered by SNP finance secretary Shona Robison on January 13, Mr Findlay will stress the Scottish Conservatives are focusing on bringing down people’s bills and have laid out their proposals in a letter which will be sent to John Swinney today.
Mr Findlay will urge Mr Swinney to outline where he stands on making people’s lives more affordable, but warns his track record on that issue “gives serious cause for concern.”
Mr Findlay said: “Cost-of-living pressures remain the number one concern of people across Scotland, which is why this should and will be the defining issue of the Holyrood election.
“Voters face a simple choice in a few months’ time. Either five more years of the SNP and other left-wing parties hitting them with more tax rises, or our positive plan to bring down bills by focusing on growing the economy.”
He added: “The Scottish Conservatives will fight for Scotland’s strivers and champion the virtues of lower taxation. Our common-sense approach will help build a stronger Scotland of opportunity for everyone.
“And in the forthcoming SNP budget, John Swinney also faces a clear choice.
“His track record gives serious cause for concern as he’s either backed or imposed every single SNP tax increase. Instead of increasing taxes, he should give Scots a break.”
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