AS self-appointed “minister for the Union” in waiting, it’s clear what will be at the top of Boris Johnson’s agenda when he parks his penny-farthing outside Number 10.
The Conservative Party leadership frontrunner, predicted to become prime minister on Wednesday, has identified strengthening the Union as a top priority – alongside dealing with pesky, non-existent EU regulations on kippers.
And now he has offered the tantalising possibility of a visit to Scotland “within days” of taking over from Theresa May.
READ MORE: Boris Johnson won't meet Nicola Sturgeon at Bute House on first trip to Scotland as PM
Meeting with Scots Tory MPs on Wednesday, the former foreign secretary insisted he would “lead from the front” on the Union.
He will not, however, meet with Nicola Sturgeon at Bute House because he doesn’t want to look like a “visiting foreign dignitary”.
Nevertheless, Johnson is sure to be welcomed with a rousing reception – a new YouGov poll revealed just 62% of the population don’t trust the former London mayor. Impressive.
Winning Scots over will come in handy if Johnson is to stop Scotland becoming independent, especially considering support a Yes vote will rise to 53% if he succeeds May as PM, according a recent Panelbase survey.
READ MORE: Tories may opt for 'nuclear option' to block Boris Johnson Brexit plan
But, as Johnson’s former Brexit buddy Michael Gove infamously said, people are “sick of experts”.
And, judging by the response on Twitter, Scots are ecstatic about the prospect of a Johnson visit.
SNP MP Peter Grant led the welcome party.
Oh ya beauty 🏴🏴🏴🏴🏴🏴 https://t.co/hzIf0DLUy6
— Peter Grant MP (@PeterGrantMP) July 18, 2019
Former Westminster colleague John Nicholson was impressed Johnson was matching Jeremy Corbyn's commitment to Scotland.
Do hope Mr Johnson keeps this promise. Who knows, he may bump into Jeremy Corbyn who pledged monthly Scottish visits as leader. https://t.co/WV2QvcHC2F
— JOHN NICOLSON (@MrJohnNicolson) July 18, 2019
They weren't the only ones to welcome the news ...
This will totally work. https://t.co/pmljRlb1tC
— Kirstein Rummery (@KirsteinRummery) July 18, 2019
Oh that’ll work well https://t.co/QzgxJq1Diu
— Peter Snagbridge 🏴🏴🦄🍷 (@incongru) July 18, 2019
I bet he will put on a "see you jimmy" hat and flout a can of irn bru. It would be icing on the cake if the dolt tried our accent as well!
— Henry Duluth (@HenryDuluth) July 18, 2019
That's Scottish Independence sorted.. https://t.co/DUvt6wfUOx
— Scott McCafferty (@RevMcCafferty) July 19, 2019
Independence guaranteed. https://t.co/9wEMvgx6GL
— Dorothy Wilson (@Dorothy90237074) July 18, 2019
Boris Johnson has confirmed his @theSNP #indyref2 recruitment campaign for Scotland 😀😀😀😀😀 https://t.co/VTFbV77kdP
— Robert Black (@bugleboy12) July 18, 2019
Please tell us he's making the trips via zip wire ...😂
— Dunuthin McKiddon (@evolvedpeasant) July 18, 2019
Aye, right. That'll work https://t.co/j0ynjcRtcA
— Naomhin Teneu (@NTeneu) July 18, 2019
YES. That will help Indy 😊 https://t.co/K2RSQKB0lY
— Shona (@StuckSimply) July 19, 2019
Fab. 😂😂😂😂 https://t.co/tRJQj380Ht
— William Brown 🏴 (@Brown666W) July 18, 2019
Gonnae no? https://t.co/lh8OLKLPbG
— Glasgow's Girl (@Glasgows_girl) July 18, 2019
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