Tories dismiss concerns over Scottish donor’s businesses

THE Scottish Conservatives have dismissed the impact of one of their leading donor’s companies going into administration.

Firms belonging to the Scottish party’s former treasurer Malcolm Scott have reportedly gone into administration, which was described by opponents as a “major blow” to Scottish Tory leader Ruth Davidson.

Mr Scott was the biggest donor to the party following Lord Laidlaw withdrawing his support after the failure to win more than one Westminster seat in 2010.

But party sources said he had been replaced as treasurer by James Stewart, who was a major funder in Ms Davidson’s leadership campaign. A party source said: “We don’t want to comment on Malcolm Scott’s difficulties if they are true, but there has been a change in recent months in the party’s organisation.”

Opponents asked where the Scottish Tories’ financial backing is now coming, with another funder John McGlynn recently criticising the party’s leadership.

SNP MSP John Wilson said: “It is clear [the Scottish Tories] will have to rely financiually on Conservative Central Office in London. This brings into question the level of autonomy Ruth Davidson will have in the future decision making on Scottish issues.”

Labour MSP John Park said: “This is embarrassing stuff for the Scottish Tories.”