A SENIOR Tory minister has said he would rather see a Labour MP elected to Westminster than an SNP one.
Conservative Cheif Whip Michael Gove said he would vote for his party's main Westminster rivals to stop an SNP MP being elected to the Commons.
When questioned on the SNP, Gove said that he would “not want to see them succeed”, adding that he would “never vote for a separatist party”.
Tory MP Gove confirmed he would rather see a Labour MP, saying: “In my heart I would rather have someone that believed in the United Kingdom in the United Kingdom parliament.”
Gove’s comments seem to go against the political current, with several politicians and commentators claiming the SNP and the Tories are in “cahoots”.
SNP Business Convener Derek Mackay said: “Michael Gove has confirmed that the unholy alliance forged between Labour and the Tories during the referendum campaign is alive and well.
“Both parties are committed to £30 billion further cuts in the next Parliament while wasting £100bn on Trident renewal – and that’s exactly why only a vote for the SNP will ensure we can invest in public services, strengthen and grow our economy and create a prosperous Scotlandwe all want to see.”
Speaking on Newsnight, Gove also claimed Ruth Davidson was the “standout leader” in Tuesday night’s STV debate and said he believed the Conservatives could win several seats in Scotland. However, he said the party had to face the “uncomfortable truth” that Nicola Sturgeon had done well in national debate.
He also said that any SNP involvement in government would put Scotland on the “slippery slope” to independence, adding that it could also mean the end for Trident.
Gove said: “At this election it is important we spell out to people that the consequence of an SNP/Labour coalition, would not just be further movement on the slippery slope to separation.”
“It would also mean more borrowing, more taxation, an end to the welfare cap and an end to our independent nuclear deterrent.”
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