Skye MSP hits out at ‘desperate tactics’ during Holyrood campaign
Written by MartyM on 12 May 2026
By Jamie McDonald
Skye MSP hits out at ‘desperate tactics’ during Holyrood campaign
The new Scottish Liberal Democrat MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch has distanced himself from his former party, the Scottish Conservatives.
Andrew Baxter hit out at what he called “desperate tactics” from SNP supporters who pointed out his previous affiliation during the campaign.
Mr Baxter stood as a Conservative candidate in the 2022 local elections before joining the Lib Dems.
He said he is committed to remaining a Lib Dem MSP and fighting the next election for the party.
Andrew Baxter MSP
Speaking to Radio Skye on his first day at Holyrood, he said:
“In the last few days of the campaign, I’m told that there were comments on social media saying how could I possibly represent Gaelic speaking communities when I have a colonial English accent. Which of course is absolute nonsense but lowered the tone of the debate and the election campaign considerably.”
Mr Baxter went on to defend his record.
“Isn’t it wonderful that we can live in a democracy where people can say, ‘look, I had a previous political affiliation’.
“There’s no hiding that. But my opinions have changed and my political affiliation has changed. I’m a Liberal Democrat and I intend to continue as a Liberal Democrat.
“I find it peculiar that the SNP resorted to that when after all they have a prominent Councillor representing the Isle of Skye who was previously a member of my party before he switched to the SNP. They wouldn’t blink an eyelid at that particular situation so why should it be different for anyone else?”
Mr Baxter was elected last week, beating the SNP’s Eilidh Munro by 950 votes in a closely fought race. You can read the full results here.
The SNP has been approached for comment.
Listen to the full interview below.
