Tory hopes

As elected Conservative Members of the Scottish Parliament, we fully support Murdo Fraser in his bid to become the next leader of our party.

We have seen him at first hand over a number of years and he has demonstrated, during his time in the Scottish Parliament and during this campaign, that he has the leadership qualities necessary to take us forward. He has wide political and parliamentary experience which has helped him become a skilled debater who has gone toe-to-toe with the First Minister on numerous occasions and more than held his own. Such qualities will be vital.

Further, Murdo is a man of courage and conviction who is passionate about standing up for the interests of people in Scotland and strengthening the United Kingdom. He has never shied away from defending our fundamental values and he has set out a clear vision of the type of party he wishes to lead in the future – one that trusts its members to deliver success, just as it trusts people in Scotland to build a better, stronger society.

We know that, if we are to make progress as a party, we need to attract new supporters from all parts of Scotland and all walks of life. We need to re-connect with people and show them that we are on their side and have the right vision to take Scotland forward. Murdo has shown he has such a vision.

Gavin Brown MSP

Alex Fergusson MSP

Alex Johnstone MSP

Jamie McGrigor MSP

David McLetchie MSP

Nanette Milne MSP

Liz Smith MSP

Holyrood

Ann Cowan (Letters, 18 October) is right to say the Scottish Conservatives cannot be saved by some “clever PR”. No matter what Muro Fraser calls his new party, should he achieve his ambition of abolishing the Scottish Conservatives, the idea that his new grouping will be regarded by the public as being anything other than Conservatives is naïve.

Instead, the party needs to rediscover its pride and fighting spirit, which have not been lost by its loyal grassroots members, who want to see our elected representatives take the fight to our political opponents with passion and self-belief.

Instead of “clever PR”, Scottish Conservatives should instead grasp the opportunity to elect a leader who has the commitment to the Conservative cause and the ability and energy to promote Conservative values to a new generation of voters.

That person is Ruth Davidson MSP and it is why she should be elected as the next leader of the Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party.

Iain McGill

West Annandale Street

Edinburgh