Ruth Davidson has officially quit as Scottish Tory leader
(Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)
Ruth Davidson officially quit her role as leader of the Scottish Conservative party this morning.
Although she is resigning as party leader, she will continue in her role as MSP for Edinburgh Central until 2021.
Confirming yesterday’s reports, she posted a copy of her resignation letter on Twitter, and wrote: “It has been the privilege of my life to serve as @ScotTories leader. This morning I wrote to the Scottish party chairman to tender my resignation.”
In the letter she wrote: “Inevitably, much has changed over the years of my leadership – b0th personally and in the wider political context.
“While I have not hidden the conflict I have felt over Brexit, I have attempted to chart a course for our party which recognises and respects the referendum result, while seeking to maximise opportunities and mitigate risks for key Scottish businesses and sectors.
“I hope and believe that industries… have felt well represented by the Scottish Conservatives during this time.”
It has been the privilege of my life to serve as @ScotTories leader. This morning I wrote to the Scottish party chairman to tender my resignation. pic.twitter.com/CJ9EjW2RqN
— Ruth Davidson (@RuthDavidsonMSP) August 29, 2019
She added: “The biggest change, of course, has been starting a family.”
Ruth Davidson said the party had shown her “generosity and support”, following the birth of her baby.
She said that the 2021 Scottish Election, and the “credible threat” that an election would be forced before then, fills her with “dread”.
She continued: “The threat of spending hundreds of hours away from my home and family now fills me with dread. That is no way to lead.”
“I fear that having tried to be a good leader over the years, I have proved a poor daughter, sister, partner and friend. The party and my work has always come first, often at the expense of commitments to loved ones.
“The arrival of my son means I now make a different choice.”
