A GREENOCK-born MSP has backed out of the Scottish Conservative leadership race and called for the successful candidate to “rebuild our party”.
Jamie Greene, who was raised in Gibshill, has withdrawn from the contest to replace Douglas Ross and offered his support to Murdo Fraser, who remains in the running alongside Russell Findlay and Meghan Gallacher ahead of a members vote.
The winner will be announced on September 27.
Mr Greene, a West Scotland MSP and former justice spokesperson for the party, launched his bid at the beginning of the month and pledged to ‘fix a broken politics’ which he claimed has left places like Inverclyde behind.
In a statement released this morning, the politician said: “I would like to pay credit to all the leadership contenders, it’s tough going.
“I have learned, perhaps the hard way, that when you stick your neck above the parapet you open yourself up to attack and criticism – even from those you least expect to.
“Conservative parties win elections and get into government by respecting each other’s differences and by appealing as widely as we can.
READ MORE: Greenock-born MSP Jamie Greene announces Scottish Conservative leadership bid
“We were once deemed a broad church, I would probably now consider us more of a slightly wide side chapel.
“The election-winning machine that I joined in 2016 now feels like a battle of mindsets between continuity and change.”
Mr Greene, who has been an elected member at Holyrood since 2016, added: “My campaign slogan is simple: For the next generation. Of members, and of voters.
“Our movement needs to reform how we treat our members and activists, but also change what we say to voters, how we say it, and who we are speaking to. We cannot bury our heads in the sand and pretend all will be well.
“There is real appetite out there to rebuild our party with a marked shift in style at the top, but also meaningful change at the grassroots too.
“I am hugely grateful for the lovely, positive and inspirational messages I’ve had in response to my campaign.
“I hope whoever wins this contest will make use of my passion and enthusiasm to speak to audiences which we too often forget.
“The new leader needs to use every bit of talent in the group to succeed, and if they want to command the respect of the group.”
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