Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson named in Time's 100 most influential people of 2018 list

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Ruth Davidson, the leader of the Scottish Conservatives, has been named in Time magazine’s 100 most influential people of 2018.

Described as “refreshing” and as a “pioneer” in a profile written by historian Niall Ferguson, she is tipped as a possible future prime minister.

“The party’s resurrection – it won 31 seats in the Scottish Parliament in 2016 and 29 per cent of the Scottish vote in last year’s UK general election – owes much to the refreshing, rambunctious style of Ruth Davidson,” it says.

“An opponent of both Scottish independence and Brexit, Davidson stands out as a proponent of same-sex marriage. Indeed, she and partner Jen Wilson are currently planning their wedding.”

It adds: “Could she be a future British prime minister, succeeding the beleaguered Theresa May? ‘I love London,’ she has said. ‘No plans to move there myself, but great to visit.’ Many voters south of the border would love her to reconsider.”

The list was split into pioneers, leaders, titans, artists and icons. Ms Davidson, MSP for Edinburgh Central, was selected as a pioneer.

“Ruth’s extremely honoured to be included on such a list,” a spokesman for the Scottish Conservatives told the BBC. ”And while she’s flattered to receive an accolade from across the Atlantic, her full focus remains on her job here in Scotland.”

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan was the only other British politician to make the list, which also includes Prince Harry, Cambridge Analytica whistleblower Christopher Wylie, and Meghan Markle.