MARY SCANLON MSP BACKS JACKSON

Exit Poll at first National Hustings in Inverness gives Jackson 58% of the vote

Following the first national leadership hustings addressed by all four candidates, Mary Scanlon MSP has announced her support for Jackson Carlaw.

An Exit Poll taken after the Hustings, of one third of those attending, gave Jackson an emphatic 58% of the vote.

Mary Scanlon said

‘I have not rushed to endorse anyone. I have waited to hear from all the candidates before making any decision."

"We need a Leader who has plans for substantive change in the way we consult with members, councillors and others."

"We need a Leader who is confident enough to work with every member of the Party, past allegiances aside and open to hearing to ideas that are different to his own."

"We need a Leader who understands how we can both reach out to voters and reorganise our Party."

"We need a Leader who believes in the Scottish Conservative & Unionist Party."

Having heard from all the candidates and having worked closely with him for many years I am confident Jackson is the one to lead and strengthen the Party in Scotland, rather than wasting 18 months deliberating over a new name and constitution. It came over clearly that Jackson will respect and value policy ideas from all members and work far more closely with Conservative Councillors. Jackson will give us the energy, passion and new thinking we need from our new Leader.’

Councillor Douglas Ross said

‘Jackson performed superbly at the Highlands and Islands Hustings. It was clear to me from the reaction of those attending the Inverness Hustings that Jackson’s message is the one members have been waiting to hear; an unambiguous defence of the Union and plans for a stable constitutional future, reform of the Scottish Parliament, involvement of councillors and members in policy and term limits for MSPs. I am delighted to be supporting Jackson’s campaign."

Jackson said

‘I am delighted to have the support of Mary and Douglas particularly as it follows the first national hustings where they were able to hear from all the candidates and to make their decision based on what we each had to say and the platform we presented.

"In this election every vote is equal. Members have been given the chance to vote for a new leader for the very first time ever. They don’t need to be told how to use it by those, however esteemed, who have not even listened to the arguments first."

"Mary Scanlon’s support follows the publication of nominations for the leadership last Friday in which Jackson received support from former Government Ministers, MPs, sitting councillors and senior experienced key activists from across Scotland."

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26.09.11