Donor appointed Scottish Tory chair after giving £25,000 to Russell Findlay leadership campaign

Donor Chosen as Scottish Tory Chair Following Generous Contribution to Russell Findlay Leadership Campaign

A wealthy donor who generously funded Russell Findlay’s successful bid for Scottish Tory leadership has been appointed as the party’s chairman just weeks later. Alasdair Locke, a prominent tycoon, donated £25,000 to Findlay’s campaign before being given the prestigious position within the party’s top ranks. The revelation of this close financial connection has raised concerns, with Scottish Labour leader Jackie Baillie questioning Findlay’s commitment to transparent and fair politics, urging him to address any potential issues of cronyism.

Findlay emerged as the Scottish Conservatives leader in September after triumphing over fellow MSPs Meghan Gallacher and Murdo Fraser. Pledging a platform of “change” in response to past Tory ethics controversies, Findlay highlighted the need for integrity and accountability in Scottish politics. However, his leadership has come under scrutiny following the substantial donation from Locke, which accounted for over 80% of all contributions received during the leadership race marked by tension and division.

Locke’s appointment as Scottish Tory chairman on November 16th has drawn criticism from within the party, with one source describing it as both predictable and disheartening. Locke, who holds key positions in Motor Fuel Group and First Property Group, has been a significant financial supporter of the Tories since 2017, contributing over £1 million to the party. Findlay defended Locke’s selection, praising his business acumen and longstanding backing of the party, emphasizing the need for strong leadership to challenge opponents at Holyrood and Westminster.

In a joint statement, Findlay and Locke expressed their commitment to furthering the party’s agenda and securing electoral success in upcoming elections. While Findlay hailed Locke as a respected entrepreneur, Locke reiterated his dedication to implementing crucial changes within the party to maximise Conservative representation in Scotland. Looking ahead to the 2026 and 2027 elections, Findlay and Locke expressed confidence in their ability to build trust with voters and achieve positive outcomes for the party.

In a political landscape where transparency and accountability are paramount, the close ties between financial support and party appointments raise questions about the integrity of leadership selection processes. As the Scottish Tories navigate this development, the spotlight remains on Findlay and Locke to navigate potential perceptions of privilege and influence within the political sphere.