Ruth Davidson confirms she is standing down as Scottish Conservative leader

Ruth Davidson has said that the Scottish Conservative’s role during the independence referendum was the “most important contribution of my working life” as she officially tendered her resignation as party leader.

Ahead of a press call, Davidson posted her resignation letter on Twitter, confirming the speculation that she would stand down as leader after almost eight years.

In the letter, Davidson talked about the “conflict I have felt over Brexit” and how her priorities changed following the birth of her son, Finn.

She said: “Having led our party through seven national elections and two referenda, I know the efforts, hours and travel required to fight such campaigns successfully.

“I have to be honest that where the idea of getting on the road to fight two elections in 20 months would once have fired me up, the threat of spending hundreds of hours away from my home and family now fills me with dread. That is no way to lead.

“Additionally, I fear that having tried to be a good leader over the years, I have proved a poor daughter, sister, partner and friend. The party and my work has always come first, often at the expense of commitments to loved ones.

“The arrival of my son means I now make a different choice.”

Davidson confirmed she would continue in her role as MSP for Edinburgh Central until the 2021 Holyrood election.