Scottish Tory leadership contest plunged into chaos amid new claims about Douglas Ross

Four rival candidates for the Scottish Conservative leadership have asked their party for answers over new claims about outgoing leader Douglas Ross.

The MSP announced he would step down as leader during the general election.

The news came amidst a row over his announcement as the Scottish Tory candidate for Aberdeenshire North and Moray East.

It was understood that former Scotland Office minister David Duguid would stand in that seat and the last-minute announcement came as Duguid underwent hospital treatment.

Now fresh claims have emerged about Ross's conduct ahead of the 4 July contest.

The Telegraph reported that in July last year Ross approached the party's candidate for Moray West, Nairn and Strathspey, telling her he wanted to take her place.

It is claimed that Ross stated he would quit his leadership role if selected and Russell Findlay MSP would replace him.

Former crime reporter Findlay was the first to declare candidacy in the leadership race and is seen as the frontrunner.

However, he faces opposition from five colleagues, including Scottish Conservative deputy leader Meghan Gallacher.

Robertson told the newspaper she had rejected Ross's offer.

Ross said he had sought the meeting to ensure Robertson was committed to standing in the general election, and that he is "neutral" on who should replace him.

The Scottish Conservatives said the claims relate to "a private conversation between Douglas and Kathleen, and not a party matter".

But four hopefuls - Murdo Fraser, Jamie Greene, Liam Kerr and Brian Whittle - have now issued a joint statement seeking answers from the Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party Management Board.

They said: "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. 

"These 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 the current leadership contest proceeds further."

The four have asked what the board knew about Ross's meeting with Robertson and if the decision to block Duguid's candidacy was made "in the knowledge that Douglas Ross was seeking a way to remain as a Westminster MP".

They also asked about the board's awareness of the claims about Ross favouring Findlay for leadership.

The Scottish Conservatives have been contacted for comment.

A spokesman for Findlay told the Telegraph that he "had no knowledge whatsoever of any alleged discussions of this nature" and is "focused on campaigning positively to build a common-sense Conservative movement based on aspiration and opportunity".

Ross said: "Several weeks had passed since Kathleen had become the candidate but she had still not publicly announced this, so at the request of some local members I met with Kathleen to see if she was still committed to standing for the seat.

"She confirmed that she was and I then campaigned with her in the hope that she would win the new constituency.

"Throughout the leadership election, I have said absolutely nothing about the candidates or the contest, other than I will remain as leader until my successor is appointed. My decision to remain neutral throughout the contest will not change."