MP Douglas Ross could win the Scottish Tory leadership unopposed after a potential rival backed him.
Right winger Michelle Ballantyne, who was tipped as a possible candidate, has supported Ross instead.
She said: “I have confidence that Douglas is in tune with the membership and that he would work with activists to ensure that their voices are heard.”
Ross quickly became the favourite for the job in the wake of MSP Jackson Carlaw’s shock resignation as leader.
The Moray MP announced his leadership bid today and was backed by a string of party heavyweights.
However, his supporters were left wondering whether Ballantyne, the South of Scotland MSP who stood for the leadership earlier this year, would go for it again.
She appeared to be ready for action after criticising Carlaw on the BBC last night:
“I’m happy he’s gone. I never thought he was the right person.
In a statement this afternoon, she endorsed Ross:
“The SNP have proven that they cannot be trusted with this task. Douglas Ross has a track record of standing up to the Nationalists and I am delighted to give him my backing for the Scottish Conservative leadership.
“Being part of the United Kingdom has been invaluable to Scotland both before, and during the pandemic. As leader, Douglas would be an excellent ambassador for the Union.
"Alongside the support of Ruth Davidson who will ensure that Nicola Sturgeon is held to account in Holyrood, I believe we will present a strong opposition to Nicola Sturgeon and the SNP.”
Valid candidates must be nominated by 100 members of the party and the names have to be submitted by Wednesday at noon.
