Media chief suspended over ‘Davidson talks’

Published on Wednesday 5 October 2011 23:54

SCOTTISH Conservative media director Ramsay Jones has been suspended from his post, amid claims he attended a campaign event for one of the candidates in the party’s increasingly bitter leadership election.

It has been suggested he broke party rules by attending a meeting at the home of Ruth Davidson, a candidate in the election to succeed Annabel Goldie.

As a party employee, Mr Jones is expected to remain neutral in the contest, which also involves MSP Margaret Mitchell, transport spokesman Jackson Carlaw and deputy leader Murdo Fraser.

A Tory MSP, who wished to remain anonymous, said he had been informed Mr Jones has been told to stay away from work until after the leadership contest is over on 4 November.

The MSP said: “It’s inappropriate for a paid official of the party to favour one candidate over another in the election. If this turns out to be true, it also raises a real question about the judgment of Ruth Davidson in allowing this to happen.”

A member of Ms Davidson’s campaign team said they were unable to comment on internal party matters.

Mr Jones’ suspension means Miss Goldie will be without the services of the party’s director of media, who played a key role in helping her prepare for the weekly First Minister’s Questions.

It is not yet clear whether the Holyrood-based Mr Jones will face further disciplinary action.

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