David McLetchie

David McLetchie was the definition of a political operator—a canny, sharp-suited Edinburgh lawyer who became the tactical backbone of the Scottish Conservative Party during a bleak period. After the party's wipeout in the 1997 general election, he was tasked with leading it into the new era of the Scottish Parliament. McLetchie was not a charismatic firebrand; his strength was forensic debate, a deep knowledge of procedure, and a dry, often withering, wit deployed against the ruling Labour-Liberal Democrat coalition. He professionalized a demoralized party, holding the Scottish Executive to account on spending and governance. His tenure ended in 2005 over an expenses controversy related to taxi fares, a relatively minor scandal that belied his larger reputation for integrity. He remained a respected MSP until his death, seen as a principled and effective parliamentarian who helped define opposition politics in Holyrood.