Tory leader slammed over ‘rape clause’

about what is best for women. Genuinely, when women can stand together, we can achieve so much.

“When it comes to the rape clause, she has found herself to be the only woman outside of the tent of women who can truly call themselves feminists.”

A l l MSPs, e xc e p t the Scottish Conservatives, last week backed a motion declaring the Scottish Pa r l i a m e n t w a s “f u n d a m e n t a l l y opposed” to the policy.

Miss Davidson claimed the Scottish Government has welfare powers that could mitigate the policy at Holyrood and accused the SNP of playing politics.

Miss Ahmed- Sheikh also hit out after the Scottish Tories refused to take any interventions during the debate and criticised Miss Davidson for asking ministers to use devolved welfare powers.

She said: “Are we at such a stage in our politics that the Tories do not want to be questioned?

“It is appalling and we cannot let it continue. We have to call them out on it.

“Any politician aspiring to lead in the Scottish Parliament – and I take it that is what she wants to do in the future – saying that the raison d’etre of that parliament is to mitigate from the government in Westminster, does the people of Scotland a huge disservice.”

Last week, Scottish Secretary David Mundell said that the reforms were a “serious issue” but had been “hijacked by people for political purposes” ahead of June’s General Election.

He attacked the “hysterical” and “inappropriate” tone of the attacks on Ms Davidson

The Scottish Conservatives declined to comment on Miss Ahmed- Sheikh’s remarks.