Scottish Tory leader leader Douglas Ross has accused Boris Johnson’s colleagues of “disinterest” in the Union and defeatism.
MP Ross, who quit the UK Government over the Dominic Cummings scandal, said that some people who run the country treat the Union as an afterthought.
The Moray MP took over as leader in August after the effective removal of Jackson Carlaw from the post.
Senior party figures were worried about rising support for independence and believed Carlaw was making little impact.
Recent opinion polls have also been disappointing for the Scottish Tories and indicate they could lose seats next year.
In a speech today at a Scottish Tory fringe event at the UK party conference, Ross will criticise colleagues south of the border who he believes have written off Scotland.
He will say: “You cannot be a conservative and not be a unionist, the two values are inseparable. Too many representatives of the Conservative party in England have forgotten this.
“Defeatism and disinterest towards the future of the Union is rife. I am told that independence is inevitable by people that have barely been to Scotland.
He will say: “As if we Scottish Conservatives are wasting our time in trying to hold our country together because the SNP have already won.
“These attitudes extend to some of those governing our country. Despite bold promises, the Union too often becomes an afterthought. By devolving and forgetting, you play into the SNP’s hands.
“So enough of the defeatism and disinterest. The last thing that Scotland needs right now is another independence referendum and we know that a majority of Scots agree.
He will add: “This scandal-ridden SNP can be stopped.”
Ross’ comments echo the feelings of some Scottish Tories who believe Boris Johnson’s party is more conservative than it is unionist.
They point to the uncompromising position on Brexit as an example of the UK Government not being sensitive to political realities north of the border.
