Rachael Hamilton appointed Scottish Tory deputy leader

Rachael Hamilton has served as an MSP since 2016

Rachael Hamilton has been appointed deputy leader of the Scottish Conservatives.

The party's new leader Russell Findlay said that the Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire MSP would play "a key role" in changing the party.

Findlay made the announcement a day after being confirmed as Douglas Ross's successor, following a leadership contest that featured bitter in-fighting within the party.

Hamilton has served as an MSP since 2016 and been the party's spokeswoman for rural affairs and islands since 2021.

She said she was "privileged" to be asked to serve as deputy leader.

She added: "Since he joined the Scottish Parliament in 2021, I have been impressed with how Russell tells it straight and speaks to those whose lives are not dominated by political bubble issues.

“I know from speaking to my constituents in the Borders that many of them have lost trust in politics and politicians don’t understand them. Russell Findlay is different and is determined to change that.

“I’m excited to get to work and help show that the Scottish Conservatives will deliver for those who want to see politicians talking common sense, for a change.”

Findlay said his colleague had always stood up for people who did not feel represented by the SNP and Labour.

He stated she would help bring in changes that "show the Scottish Conservatives have a positive vision to reconnect with people who share our values of aspiration, opportunity and decency."

The party's previous deputy leader Meghan Gallacher, stood down from the role in August following what she called "concerning allegations" over the conduct of Douglas Ross, who was reported to have suggested Russell Findlay could be his replacement as leader last year.

Gallacher came third in the ballot for the leadership won by Findlay. Murdo Fraser came second.