Tory Campaign Criticized by Ally

In a revealing display of discord within the Scottish Conservative Party, Stephen Kerr, a prominent supporter of leadership candidate Murdo Fraser, has publicly criticized Fraser's campaign as "awful." Kerr, who previously served as the chief whip at Holyrood, expressed his frustrations through a series of posts on his WhatsApp profile, highlighting the growing rifts as the party's leadership contest intensifies. The internal strife appears to be fueled by the "anti-establishment" faction within the party, which is rallying to prevent Russell Findlay, the current justice spokesman, from securing the leadership position. This faction's efforts to undermine Fraser's campaign may inadvertently bolster Findlay's standing among party members, complicating the dynamics of the contest. Kerr's critique extended to Fraser's decision to host an online meeting with Graham Simpson, the transport spokesman, questioning the effectiveness of such a move. He expressed skepticism about Simpson's qualifications, stating, "Simpson knows zilch about working with councillors," which underscores the growing dissatisfaction among party members regarding leadership strategies. As the leadership race unfolds, the Scottish Conservative Party faces significant challenges in uniting its factions and presenting a cohesive front. The ongoing disputes and criticisms may not only impact the candidates' chances but also the party's overall stability as it seeks to navigate a competitive political landscape.