‘Shameless’ Mundell tipped to stay in post, despite Brexit stance
Scottish Secretary David Mundell appears ready to stay in his post under Boris Johnson’s premiership – despite having previously warned he could never accept a no-deal Brexit backed by the new leader.
He was branded “shameless” by opponents yesterday for refusing to stand down over the issue. Mr Mundell had previously said a no deal would fuel nationalism and hit the Scottish economy.
But newly elected Tory leader Johnson warned Cabinet ministers during the election hustings they must commit to Brexit, including “no deal” as a last resort.
It emerged yesterday that Mr Johnson was ready to keep Mr Mundell in post as he valued his knowledge of Scotland.
Mr Mundell subsequently tweeted: “I congratulate Boris Johnson on his clear win in the leadership contest.
“Our party must now unite behind the new leader and prime minister, so we can get on with the job of delivering Brexit, whilst maintaining a strong United Kingdom.”
Nationalist MSP Pete Wishart slammed Mr Mundell over his refusal to quit.
He said: “By grovelling at Boris Johnson’s feet, the Tory Scottish Secretary has become a shameless parody of himself – proving there are no depths to which he won’t stoop in order to keep his ministerial salary, plush office and benefits.” Scottish Tory leader Ruth Davidson, who is known to have a fraught relationship with Mr Johnson, highlighted the need to protect the Union after his victory.
“I congratulate Boris Johnson on his victory and offer commiserations to Jeremy Hunt,” Ms Davidson said.
“This was a keenly fought leadership campaign and the Conservative party can be proud of the manner in which it has been conducted.
“Mr Johnson takes over the leadership at an incredibly challenging time for our country and he has an enormous task ahead of him.
“My priority as Scottish Conservative leader is to ensure that he will deliver for Scotland within the UK, stop Nicola Sturgeon’s efforts to take us back to a second independence referendum and prevent Jeremy Corbyn from getting to Number 10.”