FORMER Selkirk councillor Michelle Ballantyne this week launched her bid to become the next leader of the Scottish Tories.

Ms Ballantyne, who was the leader of the Conservatives at Scottish Borders Council, became a South of Scotland list MSP in 2017.

And the 57-year-old former nurse has progressed to become her party's front bench spokesperson for Social Security.

At her campaign launch in Edinburgh this week, Ms Ballantyne said: "I’ve been greatly encouraged by the grassroots support I’ve received over the past two weeks.

"If the Scottish Conservatives want to become the next government in Scotland, we have to become a home for working people.

"I’ve lived in the Borders for the past 30 years where I’ve started a business, headed up charities and raised a family.

“I understand what people’s priorities are because they’re my priorities too.

"Over the next three weeks, I look forward to meeting and speaking to members across Scotland and building an inclusive and optimistic case to move Scotland forward."

Ms Ballantyne faces Jackson Carlaw in the race to follow in the footsteps of Ruth Davidson.

The next leader of the Scottish Conservatives will be announced on February 14.