A new vision for the future of the Scottish Conservative party has received “overwhelming” approval.
During a high-level meeting in Perth at the weekend, details of a revamped constitution emerged following a major review of the party in Scotland.
The report, laid out by the Sanderson Review in 2010, advised that the Tories should have a Scottish leader with overall responsibility for the party’s performance north of the border.
Scottish Conservative chairman Andrew Fulton said: “I am delighted that the party has been able to take the events started by the establishment of the Sanderson Review through to a highly satisfactory conclusion.
“It reflects well on the thorough process and work undertaken by the commission, which has today been overwhelmingly endorsed by the wider party membership.
“These are exciting times for the Scottish Conservatives. Now we can look ahead to a hard-fought and inspiring leadership campaign between three excellent candidates, giving all our members the chance to compare and contrast and reach their own decision about the future direction of the party.”
Three Tory MSPs Murdo Fraser, Jackson Carlaw and Ruth Davidson are bidding to become the next leader of the party in Scotland, following Annabel Goldie’s resignation after the Holyrood elections in May.
A commission, led by Lord Sanderson, was set up in the aftermath of the May 2010 general election, when the Tories lost tens of thousands of votes in Scotland and a subsequent report highlighted “significant weaknesses”, including a lack of clear direction and leadership.
It noted that the party had a UK leader, David Cameron, a Scottish parliamentary leader, as well as a chairman and other leading figures.
To address this, the commission recommended there be a “distinct political leader of the Scottish Conservative Party the Scottish leader, who should be held responsible for the Scottish Conservatives’ performance”. This call was backed by the party membership.
Party officials said the new constitution and structural changes will “allow the Scottish Conservatives to move forward” by, among other things, replacing the current governance framework with “a streamlined, transparent and accountable structure”, and “developing a clear vision for Scotland, distinct to the Scottish Conservatives”.
They will also engaging the whole party in policy development and recruit a chief policy adviser, as well as establishing a process to identify and develop future party leaders.