Smith delivers big boost to Fraser’s hopes of winning Tory leadership

MURDO Fraser’s bid for the Scottish Conservative leadership is given a boost today, with Tory colleague Liz Smith declaring she will support him for the job.

Writing in The Scotsman, she says Mr Fraser has ability to turn round the Tories’ fortunes in Scotland.

As the Scottish party’s deputy leader, Mr Fraser is probably the favourite in the leadership contest. Nevertheless, Ms Smith’s support will be seen as an important intervention as the race to replace Annabel Goldie hots up.

Mr Fraser formally launches his campaign, a week today. By throwing his hat into the ring, the Mid Scotland and Fife list MSP has set himself against Jackson Carlaw, the list MSP for the West of Scotland. The race is expected to turn into a three-way contest, with Ruth Davidson, the newly elected list MSP for Glasgow, also in line to stand.

Mr Fraser, 45, has already won the support of North East MSP Alex Johnstone.

Ms Smith said: “We need someone with both the experience and the ability to change this party for good and make it win again. Murdo is that person.

“Murdo ticks all the boxes. He is a highly regarded parliamentarian who is passionate about strengthening the Union and who has an impressive vision for the future of the party.”

As education spokeswoman, Ms Smith is an influential figure within the party and was touted as a possible leadership contender herself. In her article, she stresses the importance of the Tories attracting votes from a much wider cross-section of society.