Leader of the Scottish Conservatives Annabel Goldie resigns

Published on Monday 9 May 2011 18:15

The leader of the Scottish Conservatives is to step down following the "seismic" Holyrood election results.

Annabel Goldie said she will stay on until a likely election to find a new leader later this year.

She said: "I believe that the time has come for the torch to pass and I can confirm that I will not be a candidate.

"There are four years until the next UK general election, and five years until the next Holyrood contest.

"I want my successor to have the maximum time for him or her to shape the party and its policies, and to lead the opposition at Holyrood.

"For the sake of clarity, I will remain as leader of the MSP group until my successor takes over, and I will of course remain as an MSP for the duration of the Parliament.

"It has been an enormous privilege to lead my party. Over the coming weeks, months and years, I will fight with every ounce of my energy to support my party, my successor and my country."

Miss Goldie is the third party leader to quit after the unprecedented SNP victory last week.