Liz Smith: Scottish Tories Face Reform UK Challenge

0:00On April 8th, veteran Scottish Tory MSP, Liz Smith is warning that Reform UK could soon take over as the main opposition at Holyrood. After nearly 20 years in Parliament, she's stepping down ahead of the May election and says her biggest regret is watching her party decline since. Ruth Davidson's successful leadership. She's emitting colleagues that are worried about rebuilding voter trust, especially with her form gaining ground. Smith points to challenges from both the right-on issues like migration and social values and from the left. Smith denies her party has shifted, right to chase Nigel Farage's popularity, calling reform extremist and blaming media portrayals for that idea. She insists Scottish conservatives stick to their policies and having copied reform style. The new Tory leader Russell Finlay's tone just mirrors broader political shifts, she says. Smith leaves proud of achievements like her outdoor education bill, which got cross-party backing, but calls for reforms in social security, elected, committee heads, and a more respectful

1:02parliament. Voters won Holyrood working better, without the division, and Smith hopes the next MSPs deliver that kind of change. Europe news today, powered by AI bringing you what matters across Europe.