DOUGLAS Ross's conduct has been branded an “utter disgrace” after he claimed to wholeheartedly support Marcus Rashford’s school meals campaign – despite refusing to vote for it in the Commons.
The Scottish Tory leader skipped a vote on providing £15-a-week food vouchers to impoverished children in England, while five of his MPs joined Tory colleagues in rejecting the Labour motion.
Labour have pushed for a second vote on the issue, but the Scottish Tories have since announced that they will no longer vote on “English-only” issues, regardless of the potential knock-on effects for Holyrood via Barnett consequentials.
In an article for today’s Telegraph, Ross wrote: "It's been reported that some of our other MPs did take part [in last week’s vote]. That will no longer be the practice going forward. In future, our MPs will not take part in votes that relate to England only.”
READ MORE: Douglas Ross insists Scottish Tories back Marcus Rashford's school meals campaign
The Scottish Tory chief has nevertheless declared his support for Rashford’s campaign, dubbing the Manchester United striker’s efforts "nothing short of extraordinary".
SNP deputy Westminster leader Kirsten Oswald accused the Moray MP of “rank” hypocrisy.
She commented: “No matter how hard they try, the Scottish Tories won’t be able to squirm their way out of this one – and Douglas Ross’s doublespeak on this issue is an utter disgrace.
“In Scotland, the number of primary pupils receiving free school meals has doubled in the last decade thanks to the work of the SNP Government, and we've committed £10 million to maintain free school meals through the winter breaks with future funding confirmed to extend support over Easter.
"But Douglas Ross's bosses at Westminster simply don't care. The usual excuses and inadequate half measures simply won't wash.”
READ MORE: Douglas Ross's excuses on free school meals vote 'all over the shop', SNP say
She added: "As scandalous as the stance is, at least Boris Johnson has the courage to live up to the Tories’ nasty party tag and admit he does not support Marcus Rashford's campaign.
"Shame on Douglas Ross for claiming to support this campaign, while standing on the side-lines when thousands of children in England will go hungry this Christmas break under the watch of his party. He is a rank hypocrite.”
Earlier this month, Scotland's Social Security Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville announced the £10m boost for extending free school meals during the Christmas, February and Easter breaks, as well as reimbursements to local authorities which offer support during the October holiday.
In September, Ross announced that his party would push for free breakfasts and lunches in every Scottish primary school.
The Scottish Tory leader will now push for a vote in Holyrood on implementing his policy, adding: "I'm going to keep cheering on Marcus Rashford's campaign in England.
"But in Scotland, we're going to go much further and force the SNP to act on his example – by deeds, not just words."
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