No longer will voters not know what we stand for, vows new Tory leader

Newly elected Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson will set out her vision for the party in a speech today.

Ms Davidson, who replaced Annabel Goldie in November, indicated the party has struggled to convey what it stands for.

Speaking before today’s event in Glasgow, she said: “In order to improve the way in which our message is advanced to the people of Scotland, we must make clear what that message is.

“Too often I have been told on a doorstep that nobody knows what we stand for. No more.

“One of the biggest reforms I am instituting is a wholesale review of our policy across local, national and UK government.”

The 32-year-old is the first overall leader of the party north of the Border.

She added: “Our policy soundings will involve wider consultation and input than we’ve had in years and will result in a platform of policy ideas tested in the crucible of Scottish public life. And yet, that too will not be enough to stake out the ground of a modern Scottish Conservative Party fighting to be heard in the 21st century. We must not only state what we want to achieve, but why we want to achieve it. What we stand for, our values and principles, which will be the framework upon which our policies hang.

“Today is the first in a number of values statements, explaining why Conservatives are wedded to the cause of a smaller state, sound public finances, enterprise, opportunity, endeavour, and – yes – to the success and growth of a private sector which offers opportunity to individuals and benefit to the whole country.”