Three Conservative MSPs have confirmed they have reached the required number of nominations to formally proceed in the contest to elect a new leader.
Russell Findlay, Murdo Fraser and Liam Kerr have all received the backing of at least 100 members allowing them to stand in the race to succeed Douglas Ross.
Mr Fraser told The Herald: "Having now reached well over 100 nominations I have formally accepted the nomination and am now officially a candidate for the leadership of the Scottish Conservative Party.
"I cannot thank those who nominated me enough."
It is understood Mr Findlay - see as the favourite - passed the nomination threshold on August 10. Supporters include the MP Andrew Bowie and nine MSPs.
His spokesman said: "Russell is standing to change our party for the better and unite Conservatives behind his positive vision.
"He's set out a range of common-sense, Conservative policies that champion decency, opportunity and aspiration.
"His fresh thinking and new ideas have attracted the support of grassroots members, councillors, MSPs and MPs."
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Meghan Gallacher and Jamie Greene have not yet said if they have reached the threshold. Any candidates must have received 100 nominations by midday tomorrow.
Last night Brian Whittle, who has been MSP for South Scotland since 2016, announced on X that he had pulled out of the race and will be backing Mr Fraser.
In a statement, Mr Whittle said he had entered the leadership contest as he believes his party needs a “new approach” to how it operates, and is grateful for the support he has received throughout his Whittle2Win campaign, but is now stepping down.
He wrote: “However, I have decided to suspend my campaign and withdraw from consideration.
“Any leadership contest worthy of the name will inevitably involve disagreements among candidates and members. It’s unfortunate that some, both in the press and in the party, have seen that natural disagreement as a personal affront.
“Despite that, I am confident that this party has the ideas and the ability to grow and win in Scotland if it is willing to accept, as most of the candidates have, that it must change to offer Scotland’s voters a credible centre-right alternative.”
Mr Whittle added: “The question for me and every other member now, is simple. Which of the remaining candidates is best places to unite the membership behind them, harness their talents, and turn the Scottish Conservatives into a party that meets the needs of its member and, crucially, Scotland’s voters.
“For me, I believe that person is Murdo Fraser. He has recognised the scale of the change that is needed and represent[s] the genuine change of approach that we need to win.
“I look forward to supporting him as the campaign continues.”
Mr Fraser responded to Mr Whittle’s announcement, stating he is “sorry to see Brian withdrawing from the contest”.
He said: “He brought forward some innovative ideas to the leadership debate on leadership and policy, and his contribution as an MSP is and continues to be significant.
“I am honoured and humbled by his kind words about me and his support.
“As the candidate with the broadest range of experience and history in the party, he believes I am best placed to deliver real change and unite us going forward. I aim to live up to those expectations.”
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