Ruth Davidson was born in Edinburgh, and educated at Buckhaven High School and Edinburgh University. She then went into journalism, working for Kingdom FM, Real Radio and later for the BBC. After ten years as a journalist Ruth started working in politics as the Head of the Leader’s Office under Annabel Goldie. She remained there until her election as an MSP. Ruth also spent three years serving in the Territorial Army until an injury forced her to stop.
In May 2011 Ruth was elected to the Scottish Parliament for the Glasgow region. She was soon appointed Scottish Conservative Spokesman for Culture, Europe and External Relations. Following Annabel Goldie’s decision to stand down as leader, Ruth ran for the leadership of the party on a platform of revitalising the Conservatives in Scotland and reaching out to a generation of voters who share our values but who have stopped listening to us. In November 2011 she was voted in by party members as Goldie’s successor, as leader of the Scottish Conservative & Unionist Party.
Ruth enjoys keeping fit, hill walking, kickboxing and supporting Scotland’s football team. She lives in Glasgow with her partner.