Findlay says SNP ‘must face justice’, and Sarwar is ‘template politician’

Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay said the SNP “must face justice” for letting Scotland down, in a speech where he also attacked Labour’s Anas Sarwar.

Findlay, who was elected last year, was quizzed on how he will deal with a growing threat to the Tory vote from Reform UK.

In his New Year speech in Edinburgh, Findlay highlighted Sarwar’s decision to abstain on the upcoming Budget vote in the Scottish Parliament, meaning it will almost certainly pass.

Findlay said his Scottish Labour counterpart is “another template politician who only seems driven by personal ambition”, adding that the Tories are the only party standing up to the SNP.

During his speech, Findlay said he would focus on the theme of justice, beyond the “narrow definition” of the justice system.

He argued that only his party has politics that significantly differ from the SNP on the economy, education and housing.

Turning his fire on the First Minister, he said: “John Swinney’s career has been driven by one thing – his desire to break up the United Kingdom.

“On practically every other issue, he’s chopped and changed principles, discarded values and altered his views.

“He was a firm backer of Alex Salmond, then became Nicola Sturgeon’s staunchest ally.”

The Scottish Tory leader also discussed his background as an investigating journalist before entering politics as an MSP in 2021.

He said: “I want justice.

“Justice for the people of Scotland who have suffered far too long under the SNP.

“Justice for everyone let down and left behind by our broken politics.

“If you want change at Holyrood, then the Scottish Conservative party is ready to represent you.”

Following his speech, he took questions from journalists and was asked about the growing challenge of Reform UK.

Findlay said he is focused on fighting for people in Scotland, saying: “Any vote for any other party can only help the SNP. It’s critical that we get that message across.”

He also made reference to Nicola Sturgeon, who announced she and husband Peter Murrell are divorcing, saying: “She doesn’t do very much at all without a reason.

“I guess it may well be connected to ongoing issues that are happening elsewhere. But I guess time will tell.”

Scottish Labour deputy leader Dame Jackie Baillie said earlier: “It takes some brass neck for Russell Findlay to pretend the Tories are the answer to Scotland’s challenges after the political chaos and economic misery his party has inflicted on Scotland.

“The Tories have been a disaster for Scotland and a gift to the SNP for the last 14 years.

“The UK Labour Government is already working to clean up the mess the Tories left behind, and we are ready to put an end to SNP failure here in Scotland, too.”