David Mundell spent most on general election bid

SCOTLAND’S only Tory MP was the biggest spender in the country during the general election campaign, splashing out more than £46,000.

David Mundell: Biggest spender in general election campaign north of the Border. Picture: Andrew O'Brien

David Mundell managed to cling onto his seat despite the massive surge towards the SNP - but it came at a price.

In total £46,843 was spent on keeping the now Scottish Secretary in his Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale seat according to the official election returns.

Just over £20,000 went on “unsolicited material to electors” and £3,500 on a campaign manager.

Most of the money came from the Scottish branch of the party which gave £39,000 in cash and services.

Mr Mundell’s efforts were by far the most expensive in Scotland.

In second place came Labour candidate Archie Dryburgh, who spent £18,000 on his failed bid to become MP for Mundell’s seat.

Overall, the Tories spent £2.26 per vote. Labour spent £2.33, and the SNP just 70p according to the figures.

An SNP spokesperson said: “David Mundell clearly felt he couldn’t win his seat based on his party’s policies or their track record, and the Tories do not have a democratic mandate in Scotland.”

A Scottish Conservative spokeswoman declined to comment.