Opportunistic Keir Starmer exploits Scottish Tories’ Boris fury with calculated photo-op

Douglas Ross is 'quite a lightweight figure' says Rees-Mogg

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The Labour leader is travelling to Glasgow this afternoon to join Anas Sarwar as the pair launch a joint attack on the Conservatives and SNP. Aiming to exploit the in-fighting taking place between the Scottish Tories and Boris Johnson, the pair are claiming disharmony is stopping the Government from focusing on the cost of living crisis.

Sir Keir said ahead of his visit north of the border: “Boris Johnson and the Tories are scrambling to save their own skins, hopelessly distracted by a pending criminal investigation into their behaviour at Downing Street.

“Meanwhile, people across Scotland are worried about their bills, rising prices and how much it will cost to fill up the car next week.”

Mr Sarwar added: “People are facing the rising cost of energy bills; they need help now.

“We can’t dither and delay when families need action.

“It’s possible to act now using the powers in both the UK and Scottish parliaments – but the SNP and Tories are more interested in division than acting to ease the cost of living crisis.”

Accusations of illegal gatherings in Downing Street during the pandemic have severely strained relations in the Tory party.

Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross has demanded Mr Johnson resign as Prime Minister after he admitted attending one of the events.

“Regretfully I have to say his position is no longer tenable,” he said.

“I didn’t want to be in this position, but I am in the position now where I don’t think he can continue as leader of the Conservatives.”

A majority of Tory MSPs lined up to publicly back Mr Ross following his remarks.

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Defending the Prime Minister, Commons leader Jacob Rees-Mogg his back at the Scottish leader.

He said: “The Secretary of State for Scotland, who is a big figure, is very supportive of the Prime Minister.

“Douglas Ross has always been quite a lightweight figure.”

Quizzed on the remarks, Mr Johnson said he believes “Conservatives in Scotland do an excellent job” but failed to offer any personal support to Mr Ross.

“The Conservative approach to the union is one that I think is right for our country,” he added.

Labour will use today’s visit to call for VAT on energy bills tote scrapped.

Sir Keir added that he wanted “targeted action to save most households around £200 a year, or up to £600 for those who need it most”.

Meanwhile, the party wants the SNP-led Scottish Government to use Barnett consequentials to hand out a £70 supplement to the winter fuel payment for low-income pensioners and struggling families.

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