Douglas Ross blames Partygate for Tory losses, as colleagues ‘plot to dump him as Scottish leader’

Infighting continues in wake of U-turn on Boris Johnson’s leadership

Scottish Tory leader Douglas Ross (Jane Barlow/PA) (PA Wire)

Scottish Conservatives leader Douglas Ross blamed Boris Johnson and the Partygate scandal for “very disappointing” results for the Tories in local elections across the UK.

Mr Ross said that voters had sent a clear message they were “unhappy” with both the prime minister and law-breaking parties – but also maintained that Mr Johnson should stay at No 10.

It comes as the Scottish Tory chief’s leadership appeared to come under threat, with colleagues pointing to his own “failed” handling of the Partygate scandal.