In a recent interview on the Sunday Show, Jamie Greene, an MSP who recently left the Scottish Conservatives, expressed concerns over what he described as a shift to the far right within the party. Greene, who has now joined the Liberal Democrats, highlighted language used by the Conservatives that he found troubling, particularly the characterization of certain LGBT issues as a “dangerous ideology.” He urged others who shared his unease to consider joining him in leaving the party following the Easter recess.
Having joined the Conservatives in 2016 under Ruth Davidson’s leadership, Greene observed that the party had evolved from being a “fairly moderate, centrist party” to one that has become increasingly right-wing in both tone and language. As a member of the LGBT+ community, Greene had previously spoken out in support of gender recognition reform, a stance that ultimately led to his dismissal from a front bench role at Holyrood. However, he emphasized that his core political beliefs had remained constant, but his decision to resign stemmed from a misalignment of values with the party’s current direction.
Despite receiving messages of support from some Conservative members and activists, Greene noted that the comments he saw on social media from former colleagues reinforced his choice to leave. He mentioned that there is a growing sense of unease among like-minded individuals who feel uncomfortable with the political trajectory that the party has taken in recent years. Greene appealed to those within the Conservative party to evaluate their own happiness and comfort with the direction the party is heading, encouraging them to join him if they share his concerns.
Responding to Greene’s departure, a Scottish Conservative spokesperson defended the party’s stance under the leadership of Russell Findlay, emphasizing their commitment to challenging the perceived left-wing consensus in Holyrood and opposing what they view as the dangerous agenda of the SNP. Meanwhile, Patrick Harvie, co-leader of the Scottish Greens, declared his pride in the party’s steadfastness in standing up against contemporary manifestations of prejudice and toxic values in the political landscape. Harvie announced his decision to step down as co-leader in the summer after 17 years in the position, highlighting the party’s unwavering support for equalities, particularly in relation to trans rights, as a key pillar of their ethos
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