PRIME Minister Boris Johnson has described Jackson Carlaw as a “tremendous servant” to the Tories as he quit his role.

Carlaw became the Scottish Conservatives’ interim leader following Ruth Davidson’s resignation last year.

He announced his resignation this afternoon.

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Johnson said: “As an activist, deputy chairman, deputy leader and leader, he has given his all and deserves our thanks for his efforts.

“It is a mark of his commitment to the cause that he chooses to stand aside at this time and I offer my best wishes to him, Wynne and the family.”

READ MORE: Jackson Carlaw resigns as leader of the Scottish Conservatives

Carlaw, who was elected into the job in February, said he had reached the “painful conclusion that he was not the best person to lead the party going into next year’s Holyrood elections”.

He stated: “Given the importance I attach to the job, I’ve therefore decided to stand down with immediate effect.

“It is not an easy call but I have spent a lifetime in politics holding to the maxim that party and country comes first.”

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