Ruth Davidson has quit as the leader of the Scottish Conservatives.
The 40-year-old – who became leader back in November 2011 – said it had been the “privilege of my life” to serve as leader.
However, in a letter to the Scottish Party chairman, Davidson – who became a mother last year – said the thought of spending “hundreds of hours away from my home and my family” preparing for an
election “now fills me with dread”.
“That is no way to lead,” she added.
“Additionally, 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.”
While she is resigning as leader, she will remain the MSP for Edinburgh Central until 2021.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, 2019In her resignation letter, Davidson also said she had “not hidden the conflict I have felt over Brexit”, adding that she had done her best to chart a path that respected the
referendum result while also protecting Scotland’s interests.
Her announcement comes the day after it was revealed
Boris Johnson had successfully petitioned the
Queen to prorogue parliament next month, a move interpreted by critics as a bid to kill off MPs’ attempts to block a no-deal Brexit.
The prime minister has insisted the five-week suspension is to allow him to set out his “exciting” new agenda for domestic policy, but the decision has sparked anger across the political divide.
Since Johnson was elected as prime minister in July, Davidson has been clear that she would not back plans to leave he EU without a deal.
Writing ahead of Johnson’s first visit to
Scotland as PM last month, Davidson said in her Scottish Mail on Sunday column: “When I was debating against the pro-Brexit side in 2016, I don’t remember anybody saying we should crash out of the EU with no arrangements in place to help maintain the vital trade that flows uninterrupted between
Britain and the European Union.
“I don’t think the government should pursue a no-deal
Brexit and, if it comes to it, I won’t support it.” The pair also famously clashed in a TV debate ahead of the 2016 EU referendum, when the Scottish leader accused the Leave team of telling “untruths”.
However, during a Q&A with reporters on Thursday, Davidson said Johnson had looked her in the eye and assured her he was seeking a deal.
Calling on MPs who want to avoid no-deal to back a Brexit deal, the Scottish leader said of the prime minister: “He believes that his efforts in Biarritz has helped open the door a crack. I know that what would help further would be for people who want to avoid no deal, to come out and say that if a deal is brought back to parliament, that they would back, in the way that they have failed to do three times already.
“So I want him to get that deal. I believe that’s what he and his government are working towards. And I support him in that efforts.”
Johnson has yet to respond to Davidson’s resignation, but
Theresa May said she was sorry to see her step down.
“Thank you for all you’ve done for our party and our Union over the past 8 years, and enjoy your well-deserved family time with Jen and Finn,” the former PM wrote. Sorry to see @RuthDavidsonMSP step down as Leader of @ScotTories. Thank you for all you've done for our party and our Union over the last 8 years, and enjoy your well-deserved family time with Jen and Finn.— Theresa May (@theresa_may) August 29, 2019Meanwhile, Lib Dem leader Jo Swinson said there was “no wonder” Davidson felt she must resign. It’s no wonder Ruth Davidson feels she must resign. She is one of many Conservatives examining their consciences at this time of crisis. The people’s representatives from all parties must unite to oppose the PM’s anti-democratic #Parliamentshutdown and disastrous No Deal Brexit https://t.co/nGc8w0MG4t— Jo Swinson (@joswinson) August 29, 2019“She is one of many Conservatives examining their consciences at this time of crisis. The people’s representatives from all the parties must unite to oppose the PM’s anti-democratic #Parliamentshutdown and disastrous no-deal Brexit.”
SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon said that no one would grudge Davidson more time with her son, saying “I know well the toll political leadership can take one family life”.
“There will be opportunity later to discuss the politics of her decision - but for now, I’ll simply send my best wishes,” she added. Related... How PM's 'Suspend Parliament' Plan Became The First Shot Fired In The No-Deal Brexit War 'A
Democratic Outrage': Thousands Protest Boris Johnson Suspending Parliament One Million Sign Petition Opposing Boris Johnson's Plan To Prorogue Parliament