James Cleverly, a contender for the leadership of the Scottish Conservatives, expressed confidence in the party's ability to regain a majority in the 2026 Holyrood elections despite recent setbacks. He acknowledged the party's poor performance in the last general election but emphasized the potential for recovery if the right leadership is chosen. Cleverly criticized the SNP for repeatedly failing Scotland and stated that uniting the party is essential to challenge both the SNP and Labour effectively. He is among several candidates vying for leadership following Douglas Ross's resignation, which came after a chaotic campaign and a significant drop in vote share. Cleverly believes that Scotland's interests can be better represented and that the Tories can reclaim lost voters from various parties. His statements were made during a visit to Scotland, indicating his commitment to rallying support for the Conservatives.