Fraser wins support of another front-bencher

ScottiSH Conservative finance spokesman Gavin Brown has given his backing to Murdo Fraser as the next party leader north of the Border.

Mr Brown, who had been tipped as a possible leadership candidate, said Mr Fraser had a “genuine vision” to revive the Tories’ fortunes in Scotland.

As the Scottish party’s deputy leader, Mr Fraser is thought to be the favourite in the contest to succeed Annabel Goldie, who said she was stepping down after May’s election.

Mr Fraser, who formally launches his leadership campaign on Monday, has already won the support of Tory education spokeswoman Liz Smith – one of the party’s most high profile front-benchers at Holyrood.

Jackson Carlaw, a list MSP for the West of Scotland, has also declared his candidacy, with Ruth Davidson, the newly elected list MSP for Glasgow, also expected to stand.

Mr Brown said: “I have been very impressed by Murdo’s fresh ideas for moving forward. He has clearly given an enormous amount of thought to the future and he has come up with a genuine vision.

“In addition, vitally, Murdo is a highly experienced politician with a strong understanding of the economy and business. His previous roles as spokesperson on enterprise and education, along with his current health portfolio, mean he has a broad background in policy.

“I am delighted to support him in his bid for the leadership”.

Mr Fraser said: “It is very important for me to gain Gavin’s endorsement. Gavin has made a huge contribution to the MSP group since his election in 2007, and he has a very bright political future.”