Scottish Tory deputy leader urged to apologise for backing 'disastrous' Liz Truss

EXCLUSIVE: New leader Russell Findlay and Rachael Hamilton lined up behind Truss weeks before she nearly crashed the UK economy.

New Scottish Tory chief Russell Findlay’s deputy has been called on to apologise for backing "disastrous" Liz Truss to be leader. The SNP have demanded Rachael Hamilton say sorry for lending her support to a Prime Minister who nearly sank the economy.

SNP MSP Jackie Dunbar said: "Just like her establishment candidate boss, Rachael Hamilton should be first and foremost apologising to the people of Scotland for her role in backing Liz Truss and her disastrous mini budget which did so much harm to household budgets.

"Rachael Hamilton and Russell Findlay have shown time and time again just how out of touch with ordinary Scots they are. We already knew Russell Findlay's judgement was flawed given his backing of Liz Truss - his choice of a deputy only confirms this."

Findlay, who became leader last week, has himself apologised for endorsing Truss during the 2022 contest against Rishi Sunak. His first move was to appoint Hamilton, who was also part of the Truss fan club, as his number two.

She tweeted two years ago: “Delighted to be part of a growing Scottish cohort supporting Liz Truss to be the next Prime Minister of our country @trussliz #Liz4Leader .”

She also told a local newspaper: “I have been particularly impressed with Liz Truss. With the topic of debate often circling back Scotland’s relationship with the rest of the UK, it is clear that this is a matter that Liz understands well.

"Having grown up in Paisley, she has an encouraging affinity for Scotland, and wants to see the whole of the United Kingdom succeed. She can stop Nicola Sturgeon from tearing apart our union.

"Her track record is impressive, and her plan for the country even more so. As trade secretary, she negotiated dozens of post-Brexit trade deals in record time when others told her this was impossible. I know that issues such as the cost of living and employment are key priorities for people in the Borders. Many of the powers to alleviate the issues we face are devolved to the Scottish Government.

After Truss defeated Sunak, she again heaped praise on her: “I am delighted that Liz Truss has been elected leader of the Conservative Party. I know that she can be trusted to deliver on her promises as the UK’s next Prime Minister. Liz is absolutely the right person to lead the country through the challenging times ahead. She is a leader with a proven track record for success in Government.

“The last couple of years has provided a great deal of uncertainty, with the pandemic, the war in Ukraine and the cost of living crisis. That is why it is more important than ever to get behind our new PM, unite the country, and move forward together. I have no doubt that people across the Borders will join me in wishing Liz all the very best as she steps up to lead the country.”

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Truss nearly crashed the economy during her short stint as Prime Minister and resigned after just seven weeks in the job. Her brief time in office saw a catastrophic mini budget of unfunded tax cuts for the rich that sent the markets into turmoil.

Experts say the budget proposals, which were abandoned after an outcry, worsened the cost of living crisis by sending interest rates and inflation skyrocketing. The Scottish Tories have been contacted.

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