TORY MP Douglas Ross is expected to take over from Jackson Carlaw as Scottish Conservative leader after he resigned only six months into the job.

It has been reported that Ruth Davidson and John Lamont are backing Ross to take on the role.

READ MORE: Who is Douglas Ross, the Tory MP rumoured to replace Jackson Carlaw?

Ross resigned from the Scotland Office in June in protest over Boris Johnson’s refusal to sack senior adviser Dominic Cummings.

It is believed Ross could be placed top of his party’s regional list in the Highland and Islands to secure a place in the Scottish Parliament

READ MORE: Douglas Ross resigns as minister over Dominic Cummings row

In a statement, Carlaw said: "Over the summer I have had the chance to think hard about my role as leader of the Scottish Conservatives.

"Nothing is more important to me than making the case for Scotland's place in the United Kingdom.

“I believe the Scottish Conservative and Unionist party is the most important voice in Scotland for setting out that positive argument. I am clear that nothing must get in the way of doing so.

"In the last few weeks, I have reached a simple if painful conclusion – that I am not, in the present circumstances, the person best placed to lead that case over these next vital months in Scottish politics prior to the Holyrood elections. Given the importance I attach to the job, I've therefore decided to stand down with immediate effect."

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