DOUGLAS Ross believes Boris Johnson did not make “appalling” comments about coronavirus victims – but has refused to say the Prime Minister is a person of integrity and honour.

The Scottish Tory chief was once again put on the spot over his Westminster boss’s conduct after he was accused of saying “let the bodies pile high” in a furious anti-lockdown tirade.

Multiple witnesses on Downing Street have reportedly confirmed that they heard the comments being made – though Johnson denies the allegations.

Ross reiterated his stance that the remarks are “unacceptable” and “appalling”.

READ MORE: Boris Johnson under pressure as more witnesses insist he made 'bodies' remark

However, he accepts the Prime Minister’s version of events.

“I believe him when he says he did not say those words,” the Scottish Tory leader told ITV Border.

He was then invited to state on the record that Johnson is a “man of integrity and honour” – characteristics which have been parroted by No 10 amid questions about the PM’s conduct.

Ross replied: “The Prime Minister is someone who is leading the United Kingdom through this pandemic and indeed we’ve seen jobs here in Scotland protected through the UK Government’s furlough scheme and self-employed income support.

“The fact that we’re now looking at a way out of these restrictions is because of the success of the UK vaccination programme. So we can all see these are things we have delivered as a result of decisions taken by the Prime Minister and the UK Government.”

READ MORE: SNP say Boris Johnson must go if 'let the bodies pile high' claim is true

The Scottish Tory leader was again asked to describe Johnson as being a person of “integrity and honour”.

“I think absolutely the Prime Minister is someone who is leading the country though the most challenging of times and people can see that it is that leadership that is allowing us to look forward from the previous 12 months with a bit more hope and optimism,” Ross said.

Pushed for a third time, he replied: “I do believe the Prime Minister when he says he did not make those appalling remarks that have been attributed to him.”

The Moray MP added that he had not spoken to Johnson directly about whether or not he made the “let the bodies pile high” comment.

A growing number of sources have reportedly confirmed the PM said in October that he was prepared to let "bodies pile high" rather than order a third Covid shutdown, an accusation which Johnson has branded as "total rubbish" and which No 10 denied.

But Downing Street officials have not denied a Times report that the Tory leader told aides in September that he would rather let coronavirus "rip" than impose a second lockdown because of the economic harm further restrictions would cause.

He was reported to have argued during a Government debate in September that lockdowns were "mad" as he raised concerns about the impact on the economy.

The Prime Minister's official spokesman said: "I have seen the various reports and speculation which distort the actions of the Prime Minister.

"At all times he has been focused on saving lives and livelihoods."