Tory hopeful calls for new leader

Annabel Goldie said she had the support of her party

A Conservative candidate at the Holyrood election has called for a change of party leader in Scotland.

The challenge to Annabel Goldie's authority came as the party's UK leader David Cameron arrived in Scotland to boost the election effort.

Holyrood candidate Peter Lyburn believes that the Tories need rejuvenated north of the border.

However, Ms Goldie - who was elected Scottish leader in November 2005 - has dismissed his criticism.

Her appointment followed the resignation of previous Scottish leader David McLetchie.

Speaking of her appointment at the time, she said: "The wheels are back on the wagon - and I'm the nag hitched up to tow it."

It would be wrong for me to throw my hat into the ring before I'm even elected Peter Lyburn Conservative candidate Dunfermline West

Mr Lyburn, official Conservative candidate for Dunfermline West, said someone with a younger vision was needed in the top job.

"I'm not being overly controversial in stating that what the party needs is a rejuvenation in leadership - somebody with a slightly more youthful attitude towards politics," he said.

"It would be wrong for me to throw my hat into the ring before I'm even elected, but I think we've got a large selection of people that are possible candidates."

Ms Goldie played down Mr Lyburn's comments.

She said: "He's entitled to his opinion, but I know I am supported by the great majority of my party."

'No ambition'

David Cameron and his Westminster shadow cabinet travelled to Scotland to boost the Conservative Party's profile on Thursday.

Rival parties have fired opening salvoes ahead of the visit.

SNP campaign director Angus Robertson MP said: "The Tories' performance in Scotland has gone from abysmal to embarrassing under David Cameron.

"In the first three Scottish polls of the year, they are on 13% average support in the constituency vote, putting them in fourth place behind the Lib Dems."

Malcolm Bruce, chairman of the Scottish Liberal Democrat election campaign, said: "This is the shadow cabinet visiting the party that lives in the shadows.

"The Scottish Tories have no ambition, no policies that they will implement in government, and nothing to say."