Stewart Green is webmaster and leadership editor of Tory Hoose. Follow Stewart on Twitter. Read more from this author

A Poll conducted by Tory Hoose has found a small majority in favour of Murdo Fraser as next leader of the Scottish Conservative Party.

The poll asked 655 people over the course of several weeks who they would like to see as the next leader of the Scottish Conservatives. 301 (46%) people said they would be voting for Murdo Fraser with 289 (44%) stating support for Ruth Davidson. The Third Candidate, Jackson Carlaw polled just 11% with 65 votes.

The results of the poll do not however tell the full story given that people were only asked for first preferences and the election is being conducted using the single transferable vote system.

The results of this poll show that the leadership election is far from a forgone conclusion. What is clear is that when it comes to voters on the internet, Ruth and Murdo are a long way ahead of Jackson Carlaw. It is clear that Conservatives in Scotland do not want to protect things as they are and there are quite a few supporters of Murdo’s plan for a new party. It will be interesting to see how people who didn’t take part in this poll cast their votes and indeed, how they use their other preferences.

FULL RESULTS:

Carlaw, Jackson – 65 votes, 11%

Davidson, Ruth – 289 voes, 44%

Fraser, Murdo – 301 votes, 46%

Total votes cast – 655

The poll was conducted between 9th September and 23rd September 2011.

It should be noted that the poll was conducted and closed shortly before the confirmation of Margaret Mitchell’s candidacy and therefore the results do not take into account votes for her.