Former Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson has revealed that she almost did not run for the position in case her mental health history became known.

The Tory peer, who was diagnosed with clinical depression in her first year at university, said she was concerned that her medical history would come out when she was considering standing for the role in 2011.

Baroness Davidson of Lundin Links told the Desperately Seeking Wisdom with Craig Oliver podcast that when she was diagnosed around 20 years ago, people did not talk about mental health issues as much, saying: "It was very shameful. I didn't want anyone to know."

Former Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson has revealed that she almost did not run for the position in case her mental health history became known.

Lady Davidson, who served as an MSP from 2011 to 2021, said she wanted to be able to talk about her mental health "on my own terms" so that she could "own the way in which it was presented".

Ruth Davidson almost did not run as Scottish Conservative leader over mental health history