Scottish Conservatives approve new constitution

A special conference of the Scottish Conservatives in Perth today has overwhelmingly approved a new constitution, which was laid out by the Sanderson Review of 2010.

Andrew Fulton, Scottish Conservative Chairman, said:

"I am delighted that the Party has been able to take the events started by the establishment of the Sanderson Review through to a highly satisfactory conclusion. It reflects well on the thorough process and work undertaken by the Commission, which has today been overwhelmingly endorsed by the wider party membership.

"These are exciting times for the Scottish Conservatives. Now we can look ahead to a hard fought and inspiring leadership campaign between three excellent candidates, giving all our members the chance to compare and contrast and reach their own decision about the future direction of the Party."

The new constitution and structural changes allow the Scottish Conservatives to move forward by:

- Electing a Scottish leader to have overall responsibility for the Party's performance in Scotland.

- Replacing the current leadership and governance framework with a streamlined, transparent and accountable structure.

- Creating regional campaign centres staffed by campaign professionals.

- Increasing support and resource for the local association network.

- Developing a clear vision for Scotland, distinct to the Scottish Conservatives.

- Engaging the whole Party and wider Scotland in policy development – and recruit a chief policy adviser.

- Introducing balloted motions and open debate at Party Conference.

- Overhauling candidate selection and development – and review the current ranking process for Regional List MSPs.

- Establishing a process to identify and develop future party leaders.

- Contesting every local government seat throughout Scotland.

- Launching a new fundraising and membership drive across Scotland.

- Providing an annual grant to Conservative Future Scotland to help develop the Party's youth wing.

Further information from Ramsay Jones on 07753 835287 or Iain Gibson on 07984 494587

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