The National:

SUGGESTIONS that Liz Truss is “circling” in case Boris Johnson falls as Tory leader are “total and utter rubbish”, according to her spokesperson – but a tweet posted from her account on Wednesday morning has called that into question.

The Foreign Secretary posted a portrait of her posed in presidential fashion in front of a giant globe and Union flag, adding: “Wishing everyone in the UK and around the world a Merry Christmas,” followed up for good measure with a Union flag emoji.

The post had social media in meltdown as commentators suggested Truss already thinks she’s prime minister – while others were confused as to why the minister’s Christmas wishes had been sent out on December 15.

Truss, who was educated in Paisley, is very popular within the Conservative Party – for some reason. She and Chancellor Rishi Sunak are currently favourites to replace Johnson, should the current scandals over sleaze and parties finally remove him from his position.

The former international trade secretary’s team have been quick to insist she is focused on her work in the Foreign Office – but commenters online weren’t buying it after the strange tweet.

Notably, her bizarre picture came after a number of further details were reported about parties in Downing Street and Tory HQ – putting more pressure on the Prime Minister.

"I paid a photographer to do a 'prime ministerial' Christmas picture but couldn't risk waiting 10 days for Boris to be let off the hook again,” suggested one commenter.

“She is not even trying to hide her leadership campaign,” said John Petrie. “Absolutely no shame. Absolutely no competence either.”

“Delighted to launch my leadership bid,” joked SNP MP Anum Qaisar.

Lots of others pointed out that it’s, er, December 15.

What do you think? Is Truss marking out her territory – or did someone in her team just write 15 instead of 25 in the social media scheduling box? Let us know in the comments.