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Meghan Gallacher has quit as deputy leader of the Scottish Conservatives.
It comes amid concerns the party’s leadership contest could be at risk following reports about the alleged conduct of Douglas Ross in relation to the general election.
Ms Gallacher, who is one of six MSPs in the race to replace Mr Ross as leader, said she is unable to continue as deputy leader due to the potential “reputation” risk to the party.
She said on X she was “deeply troubled” by reports in the Telegraph that Mr Ross allegedly asked Moray West, Nairn and Strathspey Tory candidate Kathleen Robertson if he could replace her in July 2023 – a claim he has denied.
Ms Gallacher’s resignation comes after four other candidates – Murdo Fraser, Brian Whittle, Liam Kerr and Jamie Greene – wrote to the party to demand “serious questions” be answered over the allegations.
The leadership contenders said they needed answers to allow the contest to “proceed”.
In her letter to Mr Ross, Ms Gallacher said: “I was completely unaware of discussions surrounding a candidate that took place in July 2023. Following the story being published, there is a potential risk to the reputation of our party and the leadership contest moving forward.”
She also said it was “regrettable” that the leadership team had not contacted her in her position as deputy since the allegations came to light.
Ms Gallacher also cited her leadership candidacy as a reason for her resignation, stating there is a “conflict of interest” in remaining as deputy.
She told Mr Ross: “I will not be able to assist you as I have been excluded from doing broadcast and media on behalf of the party, as part of my candidacy.
“It is with great sadness that I tender my resignation as deputy leader.”
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