Tory MSP Golden is latest to declare Holyrood exit – Daily Business

Maurice Golden has become the latest Conservative MSP to weaken leader Russell Findlay’s representation at Holyrood after announcing he is leaving frontline politics.

Mr Golden is to stand down next year after a decade in the Scottish parliament. His decision follows the defection of Jamie Greene to the Liberal Democrats.

Liz Smith, a front bench Tory spokesperson, has already said she will not seek re-election.

The latest departures follow some rumbling of discontent with the party, with Mr Greene, describing the Tories as “the nasty party”.

Mr Golden, the North East regional list MSP, has said the party has his full support though he has been a past critic, claiming at the time Liz Truss was Prime Minister that she was pursuing an extreme budget.

He has also become uncomfortable about the party’s softening position on climate change. He was sidelined by former leader Douglas Ross.

Officially, he said now is a “natural point to pursue new challenges” after a decade in parliament.