91Èȱ¬

The Scottish Conservative Party has approved a new constitution, based on the Sanderson Review of 2010.

The report by the Conservative peer Lord Sanderson had called for a leader to take overall responsibility for performance in Scotland.

He said the party needed a stronger vision and identity, and also a better decision-making structure.

Party members "overwhelmingly" endorsed the constitution at a special conference in Perth.

Andrew Fulton, Scottish Conservative chairman, said the events started by the establishment of the Sanderson Review had been taken through to a "highly satisfactory conclusion".

"These are exciting times for the Scottish Conservatives," he said.

"Now we can look ahead to a hard fought and inspiring leadership campaign between three excellent candidates, giving all our members the chance to compare and contrast and reach their own decision about the future direction of the party."

Murdo Fraser - currently the party's deputy leader, Ruth Davidson and Jackson Carlaw have entered the race to lead the Scottish Conservatives.

The contest was sparked after Annabel Goldie announced she was quitting as leader, in the wake of the SNP's landslide election win.

The Conservatives secured 15 seats in Holyrood's May election.

In 2007 the party won 17 seats, but notionally, under new boundaries had 20 seats.

And despite the Tories winning the last UK election, the party failed to improve on their one seat held in Scotland.