MSP quits Scottish Tories over 'reactionary politics'

A SCOTTISH Tory MSP has quit the party just nine months from the next Holyrood election, blaming “reactionary politics” for his decision.

- By David Walker

Jeremy Balfour became the second MSP to leave under the leadership of Russell Findlay, who took over from Douglas Ross last year.

Mr Balfour is a former spokesman on social justice but will now sit as an independent until the Scottish Parliament election in May.

The Lothians MSP was scathing in his criticism of the party hierarchy in his resignation letter, claiming that “increasingly, decisions seem to be made by advisers who lack experience, while senior MSP colleagues are ignored”.

He follows Jamie Greene who quit the party in April and defected to the Liberal Democrats.

Mr Findlay is looking to fend off a challenge from Reform next year and has promised to offer tax and spending cuts, outlining plans to “wield a claymore” on wasteful spending, if elected.