SCOTTISH Tory interim leader Jackson Carlaw has been awarded a CBE for his political and public services.

The MSP, who is currently running to be the permanent Scottish Tory leader after Ruth Davidson's resignation last summer, was chosen for the honour by former prime minister Theresa May

At the time of the announcement last year, SNP MP Pete Wishart branded the list of honours  “the worst kind of cronyism”.

A Conservative source defended the list, arguing it recognised "the many different people who have made a significant contribution to public life during Theresa May’s political career".

Carlaw received the CBE from Prince Charles at a ceremony in Buckhingham Palace. 

The MSP joined the Scottish Parliament in 2007, but has long been an active Conservative in the Renfrewshire area, chairing a number of local Tory groups from the late 1970s. 

He and Michelle Ballantyne are both hoping to become the next Scottish Tory leader. Carlaw has received support from figures like Davidson, Adam Tomkins and Murdo Fraser, making him the favourite in the contest.