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Scottish Conservative MSP Jeremy Balfour has announced his resignation from the party, citing concerns about its shift towards “reactionary politics” under the leadership of Russell Findlay. Balfour, who served as the Tory spokesperson on social justice, expressed his intention to sit as an independent until the upcoming Holyrood election in May. In his resignation letter, the Lothians MSP criticized the decision-making process within the party, claiming that senior colleagues were being sidelined in favor of inexperienced advisers.
This development marks the second departure of an MSP from the party since the Conservatives lost power in Westminster and Findlay assumed leadership in Scotland. Findlay has outlined his plans for the 2026 Holyrood election, pledging tax and spending cuts while vowing to tackle wasteful expenditure. Balfour, however, voiced his skepticism regarding the party’s approach to welfare reform, warning against indiscriminate budget cuts that could disproportionately impact vulnerable individuals.
In his resignation letter, Balfour accused the Scottish Conservatives of prioritizing rural areas over urban regions and criticized their reliance on reactionary politics. He expressed disappointment with the party’s failure to enact tangible change and lamented the absence of a proactive agenda for progress. Despite having once been a proud representative of the party, Balfour stated that harsh electoral outcomes might be necessary to prompt a reevaluation within the organization. He concluded by asserting that he no longer believed in the party’s ability to offer a positive platform for the people of Scotland.
With Balfour’s decision to resign, the Scottish Conservatives find themselves with 29 MSPs, following a recent defection to the Liberal Democrats by West of Scotland MSP Jamie Greene. The party has faced internal divisions and external challenges, particularly in light of the rise of Reform UK and the prospect of electoral breakthroughs in the upcoming Holyrood election. As Findlay seeks to assert his leadership and navigate the evolving political landscape, the future of the Scottish Conservatives remains uncertain
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