Scottish Conservative leader, Russell Findlay, has announced that his newly appointed deputy will “play a key role” in transforming the party. Mr Findlay, who recently succeeded Douglas Ross as the party’s leader, has chosen MSP Rachael Hamilton for the position.
She replaces Meghan Gallacher, who contested against Mr Findlay for the leadership and resigned midway through the campaign. Ms Hamilton, representing Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire, expressed her excitement and privilege at joining the new leadership team.
This is Mr Findlay’s first appointment since he assumed leadership on Friday, and he expressed his delight at having Ms Hamilton as his deputy. He stated: “As an MSP representing rural communities in the Borders, she has always stood up for people who feel the cosy left-wing Holyrood consensus led by the SNP and Labour fails to represent them.
“Rachael will play a key role in changing our party. Those changes will show the Scottish Conservatives have a positive vision to reconnect with people who share our values of aspiration, opportunity and decency.
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“We will champion those who feel that common sense has been lacking in our politics for too long.”
Ms Hamilton said she was “privileged to have been chosen by Russell to take on the role of Scottish Conservative deputy leader”.
She stated: “Since he joined the Scottish Parliament in 2021, I have been impressed with how Russell tells it straight and speaks to those whose lives are not dominated by political bubble issues.”
She added: “I know from speaking to my constituents in the Borders that many of them have lost trust in politics and politicians don’t understand them. Russell Findlay is different and is determined to change that.”
She concluded: “I’m excited to get to work and help show that the Scottish Conservatives will deliver for those who want to see politicians talking common sense, for a change.”
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