SENIOR Scottish Tory MSP Adam Tomkins has conceded that support for Scottish independence is the country’s “majority position”.
Following the sudden resignation of Scottish Tory leader Jackson Carlaw yesterday, Tomkins gave a BBC interview in which he described the SNP as “formidable” opponents.
The MSP, who will not run for re-election next year, dismissed his colleague Michelle Ballantyne’s claims after she suggested Carlaw had been pushed out by Westminster and criticised his performance as leader.
Douglas Ross, who quit the Scotland Office during the Dominic Cummings lockdown row, is now the frontrunner to take over, while Ruth Davidson is expected to take over at FMQs until a new leader is elected.
READ MORE: Michelle Ballantyne furious as she admits Jackson Carlaw was pushed
Tomkins said Carlaw “had just reached the view that perhaps he had taken the party as far as it could, and it was time for somebody else to come forward”.
He backed Moray MP Ross to succeed Carlaw, saying: “I think he would be an outstanding candidate and an outstanding leader if he does announce his candidacy in the next few hours or days. I would be very keen to support him.”
Tomkins was then asked about support for Scottish independence, which has been sitting at 54% in recent months according to opinion polls.
Support for self-determination has been increasing steadily since Boris Johnson was elected Tory leader with an 80-seat majority.
Tomkins said: “For the first time in Scottish history independence now looks like it might not be the minority pursuit that it’s always been, but the position of a majority of Scots.”
READ MORE: Five of Jackson Carlaw's biggest blunders at First Minister's Questions
He also commented on Ballantyne’s comments about Carlaw – she said she was “happy he’s gone” and suspected “it was Westminster who pushed him”
Back in February she lost to Carlaw in the party’s leadership contest. He later removed her from her social security spokesperson position.
He said: “That’s just laughable from Michelle. Michelle doesn’t know what she is talking about. The only thing that we need to remember about Michelle is she was beaten 75/25 in a two horse race by Jackson Carlaw only a few months ago.”
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