Goldie: 'Don't judge us on past'

Annabel Goldie will call for a tougher approach on crime

Scottish Tory leader Annabel Goldie is to use her party's spring conference to call for a mandatory two-year jail term for those convicted of knife crime.

She will tell delegates in Perth it is time to send a clear message to those intent on carrying blades.

In her keynote speech, Miss Goldie will also urge Scots to judge Tories for what they are now - not on the perception of echoes of the past.

UK Tory leader David Cameron will also deliver a speech to the gathering.

'Soft touch'

In her address, Miss Goldie will concede that, for many voters, supporting the Tories is a "big ask", although the word "Thatcher" will not be mentioned.

"I know for many people voting Conservative in Scotland is a big ask," she will say.

"Some have never done it, some last did it a long time ago.

"So I say to you - judge us not on your perception of the echoes of the past but rather judge us on what we are now and what in the Scottish Parliament we are achieving."

Miss Goldie will also hit out at what she sees as the Scottish Government's "soft touch approach" to tackling crime.