Douglas Ross named new leader of Scottish Conservatives

Douglas Ross has been named the new leader of the Scottish Conservatives.

The Moray MP was the only person to put themselves forward to replace Jackson Carlaw, who resigned from the role last week.

He will step down as an MP and seek election as an MSP at the next Holyrood elections in May.

Former Scottish Conservative leader and Edinburgh Central MSP Ruth Davidson has agreed to lead First Minister’s Questions in the interim.

Mr Ross tweeted: “Becoming leader of the Scottish Conservatives today is the honour and privilege of a lifetime.

“Now our focus must turn to earning the trust of people looking for a positive and credible alternative for Scotland, and who want a fresh start for our country. I hope you’ll join us.”

Boris Johnson congratulated the former Scotland Office minister who resigned from government over Dominic Cummings' infamous trip to Durham.

On Twitter, the prime minister wrote: “I’ve just spoken to @Douglas4Moray and congratulated him on becoming leader of the @ScotTories.

“I look forward to working with Douglas to promote Scotland’s place in our United Kingdom.”

Previous leader Mr Carlaw stepped down last Thursday after less than six months in the post.

The SNP criticised Mr Ross's appointment as leader, saying Boris Johnson has "installed a Brexit-backing MP to act as a puppet for Downing Street".

SNP deputy leader Keith Brown MSP added: “Whatever else we’ve learned in this whole grubby coup, and whatever their bluster, senior Tories are now effectively conceding publicly what they have been saying privately for some time – they know there is going to be an independence referendum. Otherwise why bother changing leaders?”