Conservative quits party over Tory MSP's treatment

Highly outspoken North Ayrshire Tory Councillor Todd Ferguson has sensationally quit the Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, after voicing concerns about the treatment of an MSP in the party.

- STEWART MCCONNELL

And he will serve the rest of his term as an independent although he is apportioning no blame to the party and their supporters in North Ayrshire.

The shock decision will leave the former opposition party with just five members in Cunninghame House.

Ferguson believes his party have lost their "moral authority.

He said on his X page: "The way Meghan Gallacher MSP, an exceptional politician and inspirational young mother, has been treated by this party, after having the courage and confidence to stand in the leadership contest and then for bravely speaking out about bullying and threatening behaviour, is appalling.

"A complaint was made in good faith. Instead of handling it with the discretion and seriousness it deserved, senior figures have weaponised the findings by leaking them to the Daily Mail to launch another cowardly smear campaign against Meghan.

"That's not just a failure of process, it's a failure of character. For me, this is the final straw in a long and growing list."