DEFEATED Scottish Conservative leadership contender Murdo Fraser has claimed the party is failing to make sufficient headway under Ruth Davidson.
The MSP warned the Tories would continue to struggle in the polls unless Ms Davidson, who took the leadership in 2011, was serious about developing plans to devolve more powers to Holyrood. He also questioned whether the Scottish Tories was the "best vehicle" for promoting centre-right policies in Scotland.
In a newspaper article yesterday, Mr Fraser, MSP for Mid-Scotland and Fife, wrote: "It is still too early to herald a new dawn."
Two months ago Ms Davidson dropped her previous staunch opposition to extending devolution when she announced a commission to draw up policies.
Mr Fraser,a keen supporter of giving the parliament more financial responsibilities, welcomed the move as a "glimmer of hope," arguing it was essential to win a "substantial" majority against independence in next year's referendum. Demanding a "substantial" package of extra powers, he warned: "Ruth cannot afford to let the hare she has set running be brought down by the big beasts before it has gone 50 yards."
A Scottish Conservative spokesman said: "Ruth Davidson's spring speeches on the constitution have been well received."
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