Tory MSP Adam Tomkins to stand down at 2021 Scottish Parliament election

Douglas Ross has made a gaffe within hours of becoming Scottish Tory leader after effectively conceding defeat at the next Holyrood election.He said after the election he hoped to lead a “strong” Tory party that would provide “opposition” to the SNP.SNP MP Tommy Sheppard said: “This is a gaffe royale, even by Douglas Ross’ standards. He has conceded defeat before the election has even been called yet.

Douglas Ross has been confirmed as the new leader of the Scottish Tories after being the only person nominated for the job. He will lead the party while ex leader Ruth Davidson takes on Nicola Sturgeon at First Minister’s Questions.

exam entries were downgraded in Scotland after estimates by teachers were adjusted by officials. Overall Scottish school results show increases in National 5, Highers and Advanced Highers compared with last year.

Brexit referendum.Richard Cook is facing renewed scrutiny over who stumped up the cash for the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) ahead of the 2016 vote.In a new book by journalist Peter Geoghegan, former Scottish Labour leader Jim Murphy blasted:“With the passage of time this scandal only grows in importance.

Douglas Ross.In a leaked message, Michelle Ballantyne said she agreed to support Ross on the understanding he leads a “Boris backing, Brexit positive, anti nat party”.The right winger added she wanted to see “cronyism” in the Scottish Tories rooted out.Get all the top Scottish politics news sent straight to your Inbox by signing up to our Politics newsletter.We cover Holyrood, Westminster and local councils, with a current focus on how our governments are handling the coronavirus pandemic.To

Scottish Government 's handling of care homes during the coronavirus crisis breached public health legislation. The Scottish Conservatives have written to Lord Advocate James Wolffe QC, saying ministers' actions have had "harrowing and devastating consequences for the residential care home sector".

Douglas Ross could win the Scottish Tory leadership unopposed after a potential rival backed him.Right winger Michelle Ballantyne, who was tipped as a possible candidate, has supported Ross instead.She said: “I have confidence that Douglas is in tune with the membership and that he would work with activists to ensure that their voices are heard.”Ross quickly became the favourite for the job in the wake of MSP Jackson Carlaw’s shock resignation as leader.The Moray MP announced his leadership bid

News : “The health and social care visa’ is a real kick in the teeth for the care sector after their vital contribution to saving lives and helping to tackle the virus.

signing up to our Politics newsletter.We cover Holyrood, Westminster and local councils, with a current focus on how our governments are handling the coronavirus pandemic.To sign up, simply enter your email address into the pink box near the top of this article.Alternatively, you can visit our newsletter sign up-centre.

Join thousands of others who have signed up for the Daily Record newsletter.Ask a lot of parents and they will tell you that kids and the word “relax” don’t go together that often in the modern day.Helena Kelman, 58, from Motherwell is a Relax Kids coach, and provides children with coping methods to help them unwind.The mum-of-two was delighted last week when the work of the organisation was recognised in the Scottish Parliament in a motion lodged by Motherwell and Wishaw MSP Clare

Brexit trade disputes over returning  EU powers will have to be fought out in the courts. Johnson’s government ramped up tensions with the SNP administration in Edinburgh by confirming there will be no arbitration body to resolve disputes in the UK internal market which is due to replace EU Single Market rules in December.

East Kilbride.Monica Lennon reported the facility - run by Thistle Healthcare - to the Care Inspectorate in May but in a summary report to the Scottish Parliament shortly after the home was praised for "good infection prevention and control procedures”, despite the "significant outbreak".Ms Lennon said the report left "too many unanswered questions" and was little comfort for grieving families.One of those families features in a BBC Scotland Disclosure documentary airing tonight.In the programme

tinue to benefit the UK after Brexit.” He added: “It is, in fact, good housekeeping, which rightly is being scrutinised by parliament and which the government aims to complete in the national interest swiftly, effectively and efficiently.“The UK Government has repeatedly made clear that the NHS will not be part of any future trade agreements and ministers stand by that commitment.“In Scotland the NHS is the responsibility of the Scottish Government, who set their own policies and

East Kilbride -based Freedom School of Motoring owner and instructor, Bobby Russell, previously said he feared the lack of clarity could put instructors out of business. However, he feels that the more cautious approach taken here is the safest option for driving instructors and students alike.“I think the Scottish government have taken the right approach to be fair.

Scottish Labour veteran Frank McAveety is to stand down as the party's leader on Glasgow City Council to allow a new generation to take charge. The former Holyrood minister will not stand for the role when the local party stages its forthcoming AGM, it was announced today.

Join thousands of others who have signed up for the Daily Record newsletter.ALEX Neil has hailed the Scottish Government’s decision to set up a complex mesh removal surgical service.The Airdrie MSP says the decision to create the facility – which is being backed by more than £1.3 million of Scottish Government funding for the coming year – within NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde will “be welcomed by campaigners”.Mr Neil added: “This announcement is another step towards improving the lives of the

Covid-19 outbreak after workers feared they were being put at risk.A Labour MSP referred the call centre to Police Scotland in April after being inundated with complaints about Sitel at the height of the pandemic.Monica Lennon told police that one employee had reported to work at the call centre despite it being common knowledge that their partner was off sick with suspected coronavirus.At least six workers at Sitel’s call centre at Maxim Park in Eurocentral, near Bellshill, Lanarkshire, have

Nicola Sturgeon'sadministration in Scotland after it was revealed that Whitehall will assume control of the state aid regime.

NHS Tayside operations caused by the impact of COVID-19.

Police appeal after theft of "distinctive" electric mountain bike in AlexandriaAnd last week it was revealed that it will not be introduced during the next academic year but the position would be reviewed in December.Youngsters in West Dunbartonshire will now be allocated places which will be provided in two-day blocks as well as one half-day on alternate weeks.The council says it was well prepared for introduction of the increased hours but will now be guided by the Scottish Government and