UK Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch has declared her Scottish counterpart, Russell Findlay, the 'best person' to be Scotland's first minister. She made the statement during a visit to Aberdeen on Friday 16 January 2026, as her party grapples with challenging polling figures ahead of May's Holyrood election.
Defiance in the Face of Polling Woes
The show of support comes at a critical time for the Scottish Conservatives. A recent survey has placed the party in fourth position, with projections indicating they could secure as few as 12 seats in the upcoming Scottish Parliament vote. The party is also contending with a surge in support for Reform UK.
When questioned on whether the Scottish Tories could still influence the election outcome, Mrs Badenoch responded with a firm: "We can and we will." She emphasised that "the only poll that matters is the election", redirecting focus to the campaign trail and Mr Findlay's leadership qualities.
Praise for Integrity and Grounded Approach
Speaking to journalists, the UK Tory leader lauded Mr Findlay's character, describing him as a man of integrity who is "actually grounded, working hard for the people here." In a pointed remark, she contrasted him with other Scottish party leaders, whom she accused of being "away with the fairies."
Mrs Badenoch highlighted the party's engagement with key Scottish industries during her two-day visit north of the border. "We were speaking to Scotch whisky yesterday, we're talking to the oil and gas sector today – we care about people's jobs, we care about people's lives," she stated, framing the Conservative campaign around economic priorities.
Challenging Campaign Landscape
The Scottish Conservative party is internally preparing for a difficult electoral result. This anticipated challenge is partly linked to the ongoing fallout from the final years of Conservative governance at Westminster. Polling has consistently forecast a substantial drop in Scottish Tory seats, setting the stage for a highly competitive election in May.
Mrs Badenoch concluded her Scottish tour on Friday by visiting an offshore training centre alongside Mr Findlay and Shadow Scottish Secretary Andrew Bowie, underscoring the party's focus on the energy sector and employment.
