Scottish Conservative leadership candidate Russell Findlay will call for the return of 'decency' to Holyrood politics as he officially launches his campaign in Glasgow on Monday.

The former journalist is standing to replace Douglas Ross in a contest which has already descended into turmoil.

Four of the six candidates standing have called for reassurances over the "transparency and fairness" of the contest after reports Mr Ross had attempted to stand down more than a year ago, and promised his seat to Kathleen Robertson, the leader of Moray council.

She is said to have rebuffed this, and also been told by Mr Ross that he wanted Mr Findlay to replace him as leader.

Ms Robertson made the party chair, Craig Hoy, aware of the conversation at the start of the year.

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Mr Findlay, who is favourite to win the contest, will officially launch his campaign in Glasgow on Monday.

The West Scotland MSP will put the focus on restoring 'decency' to Scottish politics.

Mr Findlay is expected to say: “Decency has gone missing from Scottish politics. 

“The hopes and concerns of decent people barely get a look-in at Holyrood. There’s a lack of decency in disagreement too.

“That all must change.

“My whole life I’ve been guided by my conservative values and convictions of fairness and decency.

“I'm putting forward a positive Conservative vision, rooted in those values, which champions common-sense, aspiration and opportunity.

“Our party’s mission must be to speak up for decent, mainstream Scotland.

Russell Findlay

“You know the Scotland I mean because you live in it too. It’s the world outside the political bubble. The world that exists beyond Holyrood with its fringe obsessions and right-on causes.

“It’s the Scotland of people who get up and go to work to provide for themselves and their families. 

“They want a stable job. Some time off for a holiday and a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work. 

“They want a solid education for their children in a good local school. 

“They want to make their own way in life but also to know that if they fall on hard times, there will be help at hand. 

“They don’t expect miracles of politicians, just the chance for a decent standard of living.

“I don’t have all the answers. I’ll never claim that I do.

“But I know my values. And I have views on the bold changes that are needed in Scotland.

“I have the determination to do what I believe is right for our party and our country.

“I won’t bring back decency to Scottish politics on my own. I’ve got the life experience to know that.

“But, as leader, I would make sure that’s what the Scottish Conservative & Unionist Party stands for.” 

Mr Findlay is standing against Murdo Fraser, Meghan Gallacher, Jamie Greene, Liam Kerr and Brian Whittle to replace Mr Ross.

On Sunday Mr Fraser secured the endorsement of Highlands & Islands MSP Edward Mountain.

Mr Mountain has represented the region in Holyrood since 2016, and is currently Convenor of The Scottish Parliament’s Net Zero, Energy & Transport Committee.

He said: "Given the recent press coverage, it is clear that the Party needs real change and to unite.  The only candidate I believe who can deliver both of these is Murdo Fraser”.

Welcoming the announcement, Mr Fraser said: “I am delighted to have won the support of Edward for my leadership bid.  He is a hugely respected campaigner across the Highlands & Islands, as well as being a significant figure at Holyrood with his convenorship of a flagship Committee.

“Edward recognises, as I do, that this Party needs to change, and the events of the past few days make that case more compelling than ever. 

“He also is clear, as I am, that we need to unite to move forward, and I am encouraged by his belief that I am the only candidate who can now deliver that.

“Our members expect us to take the fight to our political opponents in the SNP and Labour and as Leader I will do just that.”