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.

Holyrood election latest

Results are continuing to come in as the Holyrood election counting continues.

Two of three Highland constituencies have declared so far. David Green of the Scottish Liberal Democrats has defeated the SNP’s Maree Todd in Caithness, Sutherland and Ross.

The SNP’s Emma Roddick has won the seat of Inverness and Nairn. The former SNP MSP Fergus Ewing ran as an independent but came third behind the Scottish Liberal Democrats’ Neil Alexander.

The result for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch is expected soon. It’s thought to be a tight race between the SNP’s Eilidh Munro and Andrew Baxter of the Scottish Liberal Democrats. Turnout overall is low. Including in the Skye seat. It was 68.4% in 2021 but fell to 57.7% in 2026.

There was a shock result in the Western Isles where Scottish Labour’s Donald MacKinnon defeated the SNP’s Alasdair Allan.

You can follow live updates on the hour on Radio Skye and follow our Facebook thread. 

Counting underway in the Holyrood Election

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