CONSERVATIVE MSP Adam Tomkins has got the backing from party insiders to succeed Ruth Davidson as Scottish Tory leader should he decide to stand.

The Holyrood frontbencher, who represents Glasgow, was praised by senior figures as a “strong contender” if he throws his hat into the ring.

“I think it’s likely to be Adam Tomkins,” said one senior figure. “He’s highly intelligent. He would be prepared to put in place the policies we need. I don’t think we can simply just say we are against indyref2.

“There has to be something more substantive in terms of Conservative policies. Adam Tomkins, I think, would be the guy to defend the Union but also spell out what else we stand for and what direction we want Scotland to take.”

The insider went on to point out that he had not signed a letter – signed by 18 Tory MSPs – backing Boris Johnson’s rival Jeremy Hunt in the summer’s Tory leadership contest.

READ MORE: Ruth Davidson backs Boris Johnson in final press conference

And amid the public outcry over the suspension of Parliament on Wednesday, Tomkins had been the first Scottish Tory to defend Johnson’s actions.

“He’s been positioning himself as not critical of Johnson, so he would clearly be a good choice from No 10’s viewpoint – and give some harmony in the party across the UK.”

The source dismissed suggestions that Murdo Fraser could be a frontrunner: “There is speculation it could be Murdo Fraser. But frankly, as Ruth beat him eight years ago, I would think that would rule Murdo out from standing.”

“Jackson was good when Ruth was off for six months but he’s not the sort of charismatic leader the party needs in my view,” the source added.

A second source supported Tomkins. However, after Davidson cited the wish to spend more time with her baby son Finn as one of the reasons for her resignation, the party insider raised concerns that Tomkins had four young children.

“Adam has got really good qualities. But I don’t know if he would stand and take the leap to be leader. He has young kids, four children, so I don’t know if he would be interested in going for it,” said the source.

Tomkins was elected to the Scottish Parliament for Glasgow in the 2016 Scottish Parliament election. He is shadow cabinet secretary for communities, social security, the constitution and equalities.

Until 2015 he was constitutional advisor to the House of Lords Constitution Committee. Since 2015 he has acted as constitutional advisor to the Scotland Office and David Mundell.

Tomkins could not be contacted for comment.