Particle.news
Download on the App Store
4 ARTICLES
·
6h ago

Jeremy Balfour Quits Scottish Conservatives, Will Sit as Independent MSP

His exit underscores growing unease over Russell Findlay’s direction ahead of next year’s Holyrood election.

Image
Jeremy Balfour said he would decide in the coming weeks whether he would stand at the next election

Overview

  • Balfour resigned with immediate effect, accusing the party of sliding into 'reactionary politics' and shunning 'genuine policy innovation.'
  • He will continue to represent the Lothian region as an independent for the rest of the parliamentary term and has served since 2016.
  • A Scottish Conservative spokesperson expressed disappointment, thanked him for his service, and defended Russell Findlay and the party’s 'common-sense' platform.
  • The departure is the second in recent months, following Jamie Greene’s move to the Liberal Democrats in April.
  • In a BBC interview, Balfour said the party has 'lost its way in Scotland' and that Findlay has 'not quite yet grasped what the issues are,' adding he has not decided whether to stand at the next election.