The Scottish Tory leader Ruth Davidson has resigned after eight years at the helm over Brexit and because she has a new family.
Speaking to journalists in Edinburgh Davidson said in a statement that it has been the “privilege of my life” to have been the leader of the Scottish Tory party.
It has been the privilege of my life to serve as @ScotTories leader. This morning I wrote to the Scottish party chairman to tender my resignation. pic.twitter.com/CJ9EjW2RqN
— Ruth Davidson (@RuthDavidsonMSP) August 29, 2019
She wrote in her resignation letter: “I fear that having tried to be a good leader over the years, I have proved a poor daughter, sister, partner and friend.
“The party and my work has always come first, often at the expense of commitments to loved ones. The arrival of my son means I now make a different choice.”
The biggest change… has been starting a family.”
Davidson added: “I have to be honest… where the idea of getting on the road to fight elections would once have fired me up, the threat of spending hundreds of hours away from my home and family now fills me with dread.
“And that is no way to lead.”
Despite her resignation being mainly for personal reasons Davidson hit out at hardline Brexiteers in Westminster for not passing Theresa May’s Brexit agreement, which was thrice rejected in parliament.
She said, “I think we had three golden opportunities to support a deal.
“I think the people right now who say they will do anything to avoid no-deal had a goal gaping in front of them three times and they hit it over the bar.”
In a message to Boris Johnson she said, “Prime minister, get us a deal with the European Union.”
Scotland’s first minister Nicola Sturgeon sent her best wishes, she tweeted, “I know well the toll political leadership can take on family life, and no one will grudge her more time with her young son.
“There will be opportunity later to discuss the politics of her decision – but for now, I’ll simply send my best wishes.”
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