Jackson Carlaw wins Scottish Tory leadership race to succeed Ruth Davidson

Jackson Carlaw is the new Scottish Tory leader after winning the contest to replace Ruth Davidson today.

The Eastwood MSP defeated Michelle Ballantyne in the leadership race, as the result was announced in Edinburgh this morning.

The Eastwood MSP defeated Michelle Ballantyne in the leadership race, as the result was announced picture: GettyImages

Mr Carlaw, who led the party's recent election campaign north of the border, has taken a hard line opposing another independence referendum.

He won by 4,917 votes to 1,581 against the South of Scotland MSP and described the leadership race as a "rollercoaster."

He paid tribute to the "spirited and dedicated" campaign fought by Ms Ballantyne.

But he added: "Our party has chosen and we now move forward as a united party."

Michelle Ballantyne was defeated by Jackson Carlaw in the leadership race picture: PA

Ms Davidson quit as party leader last August - citing her conflict over Brexit and changes to her personal life after becoming a mother - but the contest to find her successor was delayed because of the election.