South of Scotland MSP Brian Whittle has revealed he's backing Shadow Security Minister Tom Tugendhat MP to be the next UK leader of the Conservative Party.

The former champion athlete from Troon, who pulled out of the race to become the Scottish Conservative leader last week, was joined by fellow MSP Alexander Stewart in supporting Mr Tugendhat.

In a joint statement, they said: "We are proud to join eight of our Conservative MSP colleagues who are endorsing Tom Tugendhat to be the next Leader of the UK Conservative Party. 

"Together with our colleagues, we represent all parts of the Scottish Party and recognise the need to have a Conservative leader at the helm in Westminster who not only champions our successes, but also recognises that if any part of the Union fails, we all fail. 

"Tom is that leader. He is a man of principle, service and duty. Someone who says what he will do, then gets it done. Someone who knows that Scottish people deserve more, who will champion our nation and is an asset to the Party in Scotland. He understands the challenges our nation faces and will offer real solutions. 

"The journey ahead of us is immense. But this is our opportunity to reset our party under a new leader who can take the fight to the SNP.

"Under Tom’s leadership, we can win the hearts and minds of the Scottish people at the Holyrood elections in 2026 and local elections the following year.”

Mr Tugendhat said: "It is an absolute privilege to have Brian and Alexander backing me to be the next Leader of the Conservative and Unionist Party. 

"I am thrilled to have their support, along with eight of their Conservative MSP colleagues, who announced their support for me earlier this week. "