Scottish Conservatives

Scottish Conservatives. The Scottish Conservatives, formally the Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, is a centre-right political party operating in Scotland and part of the wider Conservative Party (UK). It advocates for British unionism, Economic liberalism, and traditional Conservatism, positioning itself as the principal opposition to the Scottish National Party in the Scottish Parliament. The party's history is deeply intertwined with the broader UK Conservative tradition, though it has developed a distinct organisational identity since its reformation in 1965.

History

The party's origins lie in the Scottish Unionist Party, which dominated Scottish politics in the mid-20th century under figures like Alec Douglas-Home. Following a period of decline, it was reconstituted as the Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party in 1965. The party faced near-extinction in Scotland after the 1997 general election, losing all its Westminster seats. Its fortunes began to revive with the establishment of the Scottish Parliament in 1999, where it became an opposition party. A significant recovery was led by Ruth Davidson during the 2014 Scottish independence referendum, where the party campaigned strongly for the Better Together campaign. Subsequent performances in the 2016 and 2017 elections marked a high point before challenges re-emerged.

Organisation and structure

The party is an integral part of the Conservative Party (UK), sharing a common constitution and adhering to the decisions of the Conservative Party Board. Its internal governance is managed by the Scottish Conservative and Unionist Association, with a Leader of the Scottish Conservative Party heading its parliamentary group. The party headquarters are located on Calton Hill in Edinburgh. Key organisational bodies include the Scottish Conservative Conference and the Scottish Conservative and Unionist Executive Committee, which oversees campaigning and candidate selection. The party maintains associations in all 59 Westminster constituencies and 73 Scottish Parliament constituencies.

Policies and ideology

The party's core ideology is a blend of British unionism, Economic liberalism, and unionist principles, firmly opposing Scottish independence. Its policy platform advocates for lower taxation, reduced public spending, and strengthening the British Armed Forces. In devolved matters, it has supported policies such as increased funding for Police Scotland and reforms to the Curriculum for Excellence. The party is a member of the European Conservatives and Reformists Party and was historically critical of the European Union, aligning with the UK party's stance on Brexit. It positions itself as a defender of the United Kingdom and the Acts of Union 1707.

Electoral performance

Electoral success has varied significantly. The party held a majority of Scottish seats at Westminster until the 1960s but experienced a collapse in the 1997 United Kingdom general election. Its representation recovered to 13 MPs after the 2017 United Kingdom general election, though this fell to 6 following the 2019 United Kingdom general election. In the Scottish Parliament, it became the second-largest party after the 2016 Scottish Parliament election, winning 31 seats under the Additional Member System. It maintained this position in the 2021 Scottish Parliament election. In local government, it holds councillors across many council areas, including Aberdeenshire, Dumfries and Galloway, and the Scottish Borders.

Leadership

The party leader is the head of its parliamentary group in the Scottish Parliament and its public face. Notable leaders include Alec Douglas-Home (prior to 1965), Malcolm Rifkind, and David McLetchie, who became the first leader of the party in the reconstituted Scottish Parliament in 1999. Annabel Goldie led the party from 2005 to 2011, followed by Ruth Davidson, whose tenure from 2011 to 2019 oversaw a major revival. Jackson Carlaw succeeded her briefly before Douglas Ross, the Member of Parliament for Moray, was elected leader in 2020. The party's leadership is closely linked to the Scottish Opposition role at Holyrood.

Category:Conservative Party (UK) Category:British unionism Category:Political parties in Scotland