Fraser’s leadership

Contender Murdo Fraser is to call for an end to the Scottish Conservative & Unionist Party should he win the leadership contest. He is right to do so. It is not just the so-called Thatcher legacy – although I must admit I still admire her premiership – that is at the heart of the party’s troubles, but deeper problems within the party and, especially, its leadership.

Annabel Goldie is charming, but not a leader and she lacks impact. The party hierarchy, however, is anything but charming. I recall one meeting of association chairmen and agents when my constituency agent said to me most emphatically that I wasn’t to ask any questions. There is no upwards communication within the party from associations or branches, and certainly not from individual members.

I have for some time advocated a Scottish Unionist Party, distinct from London. I fear it would be to the left of me, but there is a vital need for a party to challenge the Labour, Liberal Democrat and SNP consensus. When canvassing, I have often come across SNP voters who tell me that they will vote Conservative after independence. No doubt others will vote Labour or – if they can understand what it stands for – Lib Dem.

Mr Fraser could well be the best leader the Scottish Conservatives have ever had or, having been open so early in his campaign, possibly the best leader the Scottish Conservatives never had.

DAVID WRAGG

Stoneyflatts

South Queensferry