Scottish Tory leader Findlay ‘optimistic’ over threat of Reform to his party

Scottish Tory leader Russell Findlay has said he is an “optimist” when asked about the threat of Reform UK to his party.

Recent polls have suggested his party could suffer at next year’s Holyrood election if the Nigel Farage-led party sees a surge in fortunes, with a survey released on Sunday by Find Out Now for The Herald newspaper putting the party ahead of the Tories in the regional list.

The Tories sat on 12% in the constituency vote and 13% on the list, while Reform was at 13% and 11% respectively.

Speaking to the PA news agency on Monday, as he visited defence company Thales in Glasgow, Findlay said he did not fear the rise of Reform ahead of next year’s election.

“There’s a hugely fluid situation in politics across the United Kingdom,” he said.

“We, as the Scottish Conservatives, know that we will continue to work hard for every single vote.

“We are the only party in Holyrood now, and over the past decade, who have stood up to the SNP and have been the only voice of sanity – contrary to the left wing, socialist consensus.”

But pressed on why he does not fear a party so close to his own in polls by journalists, Mr Findlay said: “I’m not a worrier – I’m an optimist.

“I want to take on all comers and that includes Reform.”

He added: “You can’t be sitting with your knees knocking.

“Our plan is to be absolutely proud of our Conservative policies, our Conservative values.”

The people of Scotland, he said, were “completely sick and tired of politics and politicians”.

He continued: “I’m a non-politician, I’ve come to this later in life, and I can absolutely understand why people say that.

“They feel frustrated with Holyrood, I’m frustrated with Holyrood, and a vote for the Scottish Conservatives is the best way of breaking the paralysis in the political scene in Scotland.”