A Scottish Tory MSP, who is considering running to become the party's next leader, has accused the party of hindering candidates who want to end the "failed status quo" of the current leadership.
West Scotland MSP Jamie Greene, who is yet to announce whether he will officially stand or not, said the party's hierarchy "may as well just hand the keys to the leader’s office to their preferred candidate now".
Only two MSPs have announced their intention to stand thus far.
Former crime journalist and justice spokesman Russell Findlay is seemingly the front runner for the job, while ex-Olympic athlete Brian Whittle has also put his name forward. Current deputy leader Megan Gallacher is expected to launch her campaign today, while other senior MSPs such as Stephen Kerr and Murdo Fraser are reportedly considering putting themselves forward.
Ballot papers will be posted to members on September 4, with the process closing on September 26.
“If the party was serious about a meaningful member-led discussion about its future it wouldn’t be cramming that hugely important debate into a two-week window during the school holidays,” Mr Greene said.
He added: “It makes running a viable alternative campaign to the current offering of the failed status quo very difficult.”
In an apparent swipe at Mr Findlay, his parliamentary colleague, Mr Greene continued: "The race to save the party’s future is now formally on, although it’s a strange race given that one of the runners appears to have left the starting blocks early."
"My immediate reaction [to the timetable] was that they may as well just hand the keys to the leader’s office to their preferred candidate now, and we can all have a nice summer."
The timetable was agreed at a board meeting on Wednesday, which included up to eight people.
Craig Hoy, party chairman and one of those at the meeting, said: “Following a two-week consultation with members and elected representatives, the management board met to agree the rules and timetable for the leadership election.
“We look forward to an open contest where candidates will be able to outline their plans and policies at hustings to be held around Scotland in the coming weeks.
“Once candidates have had the opportunity to set out their stalls, a full ballot of our members will determine the next leader of the Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party.”