Tory 13 are just Ruth’s puppets
IT’S only a few weeks since Ruth Davidson’s spin doctor was quietly briefing journalists that the 13 Tory MPs elected on June 8 could well defy Theresa May.
They were not, indeed, even the PM’s men, they were “Ruth Davidson’s candidates” beholden only to the Scottish leader.
Indeed, it was even suggested they were better placed than the 35 SNP MPs to “stand up for Scotland” at Westminster because the Tory Government needed their votes.
The SNP will never vote Tory on point of principle, so cannot be bought off.
That was how the story was spun. It was always an illusion.
If it looks like a Tory, walks like a Tory and sounds like a Tory – it’s a Tory.
Davidson’s docile dozen+1 this week completely failed to stand up for Scotland.
The dirty deal done with Northern Ireland’s Democratic Unionist Party delivers nothing for Scotland other than more austerity.
It props up a chaotic government determined to drag us out of the European single market, threatening mass job losses and falling wages.
In addition, the DUP had to be “bought” with a £1billion bung for Northern Ireland.
Tory Scottish Secretary David Mundell felt confident enough last week to say that Scotland would benefit from any additional funds being directed towards Belfast thanks to the Barnett Formula – the method by which devolved nations and regions are funded.
Mundell even warned that he would not tolerate any “back door” funding for Northern Ireland.
Well, that’s exactly what has happened but where are the protests from the Tory benches?
Mundell has gone to ground. The 13 are shamelessly defending the DUP deal.
It is quite clear that all the bluster about standing up for Scotland was just hot air.
They take their lead from Davidson, who has capitulated to London Tories on every single policy – whether it’s the horrible rape clause, the bedroom tax or leaving the single market.
She has gone from being a pro-Remain campaigner to a born-again Brexiteer.
Those she claims to lead at Westminster will be just as tame.
Forget the fighting talk. The Westminster Tories are now the threadbare 13.