REPORTS that Ruth Davidson’s Tories support a second Brexit vote are “complete and utter bollocks”, her deputy said yesterday.
Jackson Carlaw, who is standing in for Davidson during her maternity leave, hit out after a New Statesman article suggested the Scottish Tories are preparing to back a People’s Vote and could split from the UK party.
According to the report, by Chris Deerin, one unnamed MSP said they “hate the English party” and are “horrified at the support for no deal being expressed by party members”.
A source is quoted as saying “we will have to go back to the country and ask them” in a no-deal scenario.
And, on the chance of the “divisive” English Tories affecting the party’s chances in the next Holyrood election, a senior MSP is said to have stated: “An increasing number of people at the top table think we need our independence.”
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However, Carlaw took to social media to reject this.
The East Renfrewshire MSP tweeted: “On behalf of @RuthDavidsonMSP, I can confirm that neither of us has ever supported an EU ‘people’s vote’. This remains our unambiguous position (as even a cursory inquiry would have made clear).”
Not impressed: Tory Murdo Fraser rejected the claims
Prominent MSP Murdo Fraser further dismissed the claims within the piece, stating: “Well this is an interesting piece. ‘Interesting’ as in ‘total bollocks’.”
And in an official statement, a Scottish Conservative spokesman said: “This is categorically not the case.
“We do not support a second referendum on EU membership.”
However, Daily Mail columnist Stephen Daisley defended Deerin, despite the “forceful” language being used by some.
He stated: “While senior Scottish Tories are knocking down the suggestion they’re backing a second Brexit referendum, it’s clear that one of their number thinks the party ought to support it.”
Carlaw’s “bollocks” statement comes just days after Scottish Tory leader Davidson praised Prime Minister Theresa May’s “cojones of steel” amid Wednesday’s no-confidence vote.
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