Quote of the day 30th August - Tom Harris on Ruth Davidson

"In our highly partisan political culture, where those who support other parties are regarded as enemies who must be defeated rather than people who happen to hold different opinions, it’s easy to forget that democracy only works when voters change their minds and switch their political allegiance between the parties."

"Which is where Ruth Davidson comes in. She did something that few other political leaders – at least in Scotland – even bothered attempting: she appealed not just to her own party’s traditional supporters but to those of other parties."

"On a personal level, as someone from a different political background and tradition to Ruth, I am filled with sadness that this devout champion of the Union has departed the stage. She has always been kind, thoughtful and very, very funny whenever I’ve been in her company. It should not be a weakness in any politician to admit that an opponent is sincere, capable and good. Ruth is all those things and the fact that she has chosen to prioritise her family over her political career proves it. I wish her well."

Three extracts above from a wonderful tribute penned by former Labour MP Tom Harris to Ruth Davidson MSP, who resigned yesterday as leader of the Scottish Conservative party (though not as MSP for Edinburgh Central.)

You can read Tom's article in full on the CAPX site here

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