Boris Johnson would like to “reverse” devolution but will not dare try, according to his former right hand man.
Dominic Cummings also reportedly dismissed the Prime Minister as an “unthinking” Unionist.
Johnson’s commitment to devolution was questioned last year after private remarks to Tory MPs were leaked to a newspaper.
At that time he is said to have dismissed devolution and claimed it was former Labour PM Tony Blair ’s biggest mistake.
According to the National, Cummings has now echoed these claims by offering his view on Johnson’s opinions on Holyrood.
Cummings, who since leaving Downing Street has launched a series of bitter attacks on Johnson, reportedly said: “He's an unthinkign [sic] unionist. Thinks devolution/Scottish parliament was a disaster, wd like to reverse it but wont dare try...”
SNP MSP Rona Mackay said: "If these claims are true it is an utterly devastating revelation for the unionist cause in Scotland.
“It lays bare the undeniable threat Boris Johnson and his Tories pose towards the very future of our democratically elected Scottish Parliament – his former right-hand man makes clear they would scrap Holyrood if they thought they could get away with it.”
ALBA leader Alex Salmond: “These revelations from Johnson’s one time confidante are exactly why ALBA are advocating urgency of action on the constitution.
There is no status quo on self government. Either we move forward to independence now, or the Prime Minister will take his first opportunity to reverse all of the Scottish gains made over the last 25 years.
We have been warned. Either we determine our own future or the writing is on the wall for the Scottish Parliament.”
A UK Government spokesperson: “The Prime Minister has always fully supported devolution. As Minister for the Union he consistently makes the case for a strong United Kingdom and sets out that we are at our best when we work together towards a common goal, as shown during the pandemic.”
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