Lesbian MSP Ruth Davidson tipped to lead Scottish Tories

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Lesbian MSP Ruth Davidson is being tipped as a contender to become the next leader of the Scottish Conservatives.

Despite only being elected two months ago, the former BBC journalist, 32, is said to have impressed senior figures at Westminster and Holyrood, who have urged her to stand in the contest.

According to the Sunday Herald, Ms Davidson has the backing of current leader Annabel Goldie and allies of the prime minister, to whom she is close.

Nominations for the leadership open in September, with a new leader taking over in November.

Other contenders for the post are deputy leader Murdo Fraser and Jackson Carlaw. Both are seen as more right-wing than Glasgow MSP Ms Davidson and there is said to be a perception that she could be more appealing to voters.

Ms Davidson said: “I have made no decision to stand. In fact, I don’t believe any of my parliamentary colleagues have declared whether they’re going to stand or not.”

She lives in Partick with her partner. A graduate of Glasgow University, she has lived in the city for most of her life.

Two years ago, she came third in the by-election for the seat of Glasgow East.

She has said in the past that she does not often speak about her sexuality because “it’s not the most interesting part of my life”.

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