Douglas Ross appoints STV crime and investigations reporter to top spin doctor role

Russell Findlay will take up the role of director of communications at the Scottish Conservatives.

Douglas Ross has appointed Russell Findlay to the director of communications position at the Scottish Conservatives

Former crime and investigations reporter for STV Russell Findlay has been appointed as the top spin doctor for the Scottish Conservatives by Douglas Ross.

The investigative journalist, who was the victim of an acid attack in 2015 by a hit-man working on behalf of a gangster, will take up the role as the Scottish Tories look to close the gap on the SNP ahead of the 2021 Holyrood elections.

He previously worked for the Sunday Mail and the Scottish Sun during a 27 year journalism career.

Other appointments, including former MP for Angus Kirstene Hair, who was confirmed as a new special adviser, and former department of education special adviser under Gavin Williamson – who oversaw England’s own exam fiasco – as head of manifesto.

Sacked former special adviser Elliot Roy, who lost his job as Dominic Cummings consolidated control over the control of the machinery of government in February this year, has been appointed as head of policy by Mr Ross.

Mr Roy previously worked as an adviser to the Scottish Conservatives and as a special adviser to the Scotland Office before moving to 10 Downing Street after Boris Johnson took office following the 2019 general election.

He lost his job as part of a move to “refresh” and “beef up” the policy team in the so-called ‘Union unit’ promised by Johnson during the Tory leadership campaign.

Mr Ross said: “Russell has a huge breadth of experience across Scottish media and there are very few other journalists with his investigate instincts. I’m thrilled to have him on-board and I’m sure he will prove to be a huge asset to the party.

“Russell will head up an expanded, well-rounded Scottish Conservative team with the press and policy expertise to lead us into the election campaign firing on all cylinders.”

Mr Findlay said: “After 27 years in newspaper and broadcast journalism, I am delighted to be taking up this post with the Scottish Conservatives.

“It is a privilege to be joining Douglas Ross and as he leads the party into next year's crucial Holyrood election."

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