Scottish Conservative deputy leader quits amid allegations of Tory leadership plot

However, she said she was “deeply troubled” at the allegations reported in the Telegraph that Ross had asked to replace a candidate who was contesting the Moray West, Nairn and Strathspey seat in the Westminster General Election.

She said: “I was completely unaware of discussions surrounding a candidate that took place in July 2023. Following the story being published, there is a potential risk to the reputation of our party and the leadership contest moving forward.”

In an open letter to Ross posted to social media, she said: “Since your resignation as Leader of the Scottish Conservatives, it is clear to me that I no longer feel able to serve as your Deputy, as I am now standing as a candidate to be your successor.

“I believe that there is a conflict of interest in remaining as Deputy, and I will not be able to assist you, as I have been excluded from doing broadcast and media on behalf of the party, as part of my candidacy. I am also deeply troubled about the story that has emerged in the Telegraph today.”

The Telegraph reports Ross had asked the Moray West, Nairn and Strathspey candidate Kathleen Robertson if he could replace her in July 2023, a claim he has denied. It is also alleged he said he would prefer leadership candidate Russell Findlay to replace him.

Four Scottish Conservative leadership candidates, Murdo Fraser, Brian Whittle, Liam Kerr and Jamie Greene have warned the party must answer “serious questions” amid the reports.

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The letter from four of the six leadership candidates states: “As candidates for the leadership of the Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, we are deeply concerned by the disturbing claims reported today about the conduct of Douglas Ross in relation to his seeking candidacy for a number of seats in the recent General Election.

“The reports also reference his plans and preferences for a replacement leader to take over the party upon his departure which are relevant to the transparency and fairness of the current leadership contest we are participating in.

“These allegations raise serious questions for the party which, in our opinion, require to be answered before current leadership election proceeds further.”

SNP MP Graham Leadbitter, who went on to win the Moray West, Nairn and Strathspey seat, said Ross should quit as an MSP if he sees Holyrood “as second best”.

He said: “If Douglas Ross’s heart isn’t in Holyrood he should resign. His bid to retain a seat at Westminster included a specific promise he would resign as an MSP if he was successful – it’s clear he’s neither happy nor focused on the job at Holyrood. Nor should a job as an MSP ever be seen as second best or as simply a back-up. This sorry saga has, again, put the Tories’ contempt for Scotland’s Parliament under the spotlight.”

In a statement, Ross said: “It is with regret that I accept your resignation as deputy leader. It has been a pleasure to work with you over the last two years to take the Scottish Conservative Party forward and challenge the SNP Government.”

He said Gallacher should be "rightly proud" of her achievements in the role, including in her opposition to the Scottish Government’s controversial Gender Recognition Reform Bill.

However, he added: "I accept your reasoning that as you are a candidate in the leadership election you have felt it necessary to resign your party role to avoid any conflict of interest. As you know, I have committed to remaining neutral in this contest."