Tory MSP accidentally posted WhatsApps on ally's 'awful' campaign

Stephen Kerr says the comments were taken out of context

A Scottish Conservative MSP has apologised after calling his ally's leadership campaign "awful".

Stephen Kerr has publicly backed party veteran Murdo Fraser's bid, but raised doubts in WhatsApp posts he accidentally published as a status update.

“I’m beginning to wish I’d nominated Meghan," he wrote, in reference to Mr Fraser's leadership rival and Tory deputy leader, Meghan Gallacher.

Mr Kerr said his comments had been taken out of context and reaffirmed his support for Mr Fraser.

Murdo Fraser says Stephen Kerr has apologised to him

Several messages were accidentally published on Mr Kerr's WhatsApp profile as a status update, rather than a direct message, and could therefore be viewed by his contacts.

In one, he questioned his favoured candidate's decision to promote an online meeting with colleague Graham Simpson, the party's transport spokesman.

He wrote, “really?”, adding: “Simpson knows zilch about working with councillors."

Mr Kerr continued: “I’m beginning to wish I’d nominated Meghan”.

He also posted: “Murdo’s campaign is awful.”

Stephen Kerr accidentally shared his private WhatsApp messages as a status, meaning other contacts could view them

Mr Kerr, the party's former education spokesperson, said the incident was "regrettable".

“In a private conversation, in comments taken out of context, I expressed some concerns about one aspect of an upcoming event," he said in a statement.

"The person with whom I was having the private conversation is a close friend.”

Mr Kerr said he was "certain" Mr Fraser was the "leader we need now".

The Central Scotland MSP said: “He has the right instincts to be an outstanding Scottish Conservative party leader.

"As we have already seen in this leadership campaign, he has the vision, the plan and the passion to rebuild our party."

He added: "I was delighted to nominate him for the role of party leader."

Leadership contest

A spokesperson for Mr Fraser said: "Stephen has apologised to Murdo for his comments which he says were taken out of context, and is clear that Murdo is the best candidate for leadership."

As well as Ms Gallacher, Mr Fraser is being challenged for the leadership by frontbenchers Russell Findlay, Brian Whittle and Liam Kerr, as well as backbencher Jamie Greene.

Nominations for the contest close on 22 August, with the winner to be announced on 27 September.

Candidates need 100 nominations from party members to get on the ballot paper.

The new leader will replace Douglas Ross, who will remain in place until the contest is over.