Ruth Davidson

Ruth Davidson is a journalist, broadcaster, author, and former leader of the Scottish Conservative Party, known for revitalising the party, breaking barriers, and her insightful political commentary.

Ruth Davidson is a journalist, broadcaster, author, and politician who served as leader of the Scottish Conservative Party for eight years, revitalising the party and leading it to its best electoral performance in thirty-five years. She played a key role in the Scottish independence and EU referendum campaigns, making her case in live televised debates at the Glasgow Hydro and Wembley Arena. As the first openly gay leader of a major UK political party and the first party leader to give birth while in office, Ruth has consistently broken barriers in public life.

A regular voice in debates on gender, inclusion, and equality, Ruth speaks from personal experience about authentic leadership. With a background as a BBC journalist and Territorial Army soldier, she understands the importance of individual expression, trust, and leadership development within large organisations. Her close professional relationships with successive Prime Ministers and her UK Cabinet membership give her unique insights into the political landscape both north and south of the border.

Ruth's book, *Yes She Can – Why Women Own the Future*, is a positive appraisal of gender advancement globally, highlighting the progress women have made and the challenges that remain. It features thoughts, experiences, and ideas from influential women such as Christine Lagarde, Dame Katherine Grainger, and Melinda French Gates, whom Ruth interviewed during her research.

Despite her focus on the Scottish Parliament, Ruth has built a UK-wide platform. A gifted political communicator with a modern, real-world touch, she is as comfortable on Have I Got News for You, The One Show, and celebrity editions of The Chase and Bake Off as she is on Newsnight or Question Time. Named one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people of the year, she stands alongside figures like New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Prince Harry.

Before entering politics, Ruth had a career in broadcast journalism, working as a presenter, producer, and documentary maker. Since stepping down as party leader, she has returned to journalism, providing political commentary for the Telegraph, Mail on Sunday, and the Evening Standard, and developing broadcast projects for television and radio. She hosts a weekly show on Times Radio and co-hosts Sky's Electoral Dysfunction podcast alongside Beth Rigby and Jess Phillips.