FORMER Scottish Conservatives leader Ruth Davidson is at the centre of a "conflict of interest" row over her employment as a senior adviser for a communications and lobbying firm.
Ms Davidson, who resigned as Scottish Tory leader in August, has been appointed to a post at Tulchan Communications which has offices in London and Singapore.
It is understood Ms Davidson, who remains a member of the Scottish Parliament for Edinburgh Central, though she will step down in 2021, will get paid £50,000 for 24 days’ work a year by the company whose managing partner is Tory fundraiser and former Conservative Party chairman Andrew Feldman.
But the Public Relations and Communications Association, the trade association for the sector has slammed the move saying: "It is simply wrong for lobbying agencies to employ legislators."
Francis Ingham, director general of the PRCA said: "The possible conflict of interest in doing so is clear, and damages the reputation of both our industry, and of the political process.
"PRCA members are prohibited from employing parliamentarians - and with good reason. Unlike the vast majority of its competitors, Tulchan is not a PRCA member. But in the public interest, we would nonetheless urge them to reconsider this appointment."
Lord Feldman of Elstree, had been a senior advisor at Tulchan for 18 months before he was made a managing partner in February.
He chaired the Conservative Party from 2010 to 2016, where he had overall responsibility for strategy, finances, and the professional operation leading up to the 2015 General Election.
Prior to this, Mr Feldman was chief executive the Conservatives ahead of the 2010 General Election and was part of the election campaign team.
He previous ran his family textile business and also worked as a barrister.
The company said Ms Davidson will be "instrumental to Tulchan's efforts in helping boards to navigate a continually evolving public and corporate landscape".
While Ms Davidson is still MSP she has said she does not believe she will stand in an election again.
She cited both "professional and personal" changes behind her reason for stepping down as leader including being "hopelessly conflicted over Brexit" and the arrival of her son Finn last October.
She said: "I am very excited to be joining Tulchan at such a critical time for UK PLC.
"I believe the evolution of Tulchan's mission statement towards creating stakeholder value is prescient.
"Political and economic uncertainty persists and the scope for shocks is high.
"As a result, businesses must continue to renew their licence to operate with their stakeholders and reflect on what is expected of them or risk being targeted by anti-business vested interests and losing public faith."
Mr Feldman, managing partner at Tulchan Communications, said in a statement: "We are delighted that Ruth has chosen to join Tulchan as a senior adviser and look forward to having her on board.
"I have no doubt that our clients will benefit immensely from her insight and unique perspective on the rapidly developing evolving relationship between business and politics and the need to navigate the shifting demands of a broader range of stakeholders."
In an interview with the Evening Standard in connection with the appointment, she said: “I have a very young family, I have just stepped back from a big job. I am excited and energised about my work. That is enough to be going on with for now."
Tulchan have been approached for comment.
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