Ross dodges the question on Johnson devolution comments

Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross repeatedly evaded questions about Boris Johnson's remarks that devolution has been a "disaster” – and said SNP are incapable of improving the lives of people in Scotland “because they’re obsessed with independence”.

T h e P r i me Mi n i s t e r reportedly said Scottish devolution has been a “disaster north of the border” in a conference call with northern Tory MPS, and called it “Tony Blair’s biggest mistake”.

Challenged on the comments, Mr Ross said it is “healthy” i f poli t i ci ans i n t he same par t y disagree on certain issues, but would not say whether he has talked to Mr Johnson about his controversial remarks.

Mr Ross instead cited the PM’S two terms as London mayor as evidence of his support f or devolution, and then heaped praise on Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s economic support for the whole of the UK during the coronavirus pandemic.

He told BBC Radio Scotland’s Good Morning Scotland programme on Friday that he and Mr Johnson always have “a robust exchange of opinions”.

Asked if he believes the Pri me Minister s hould r e s i g n , a n d w h e t h e r someone like Mr Sunak or Michael Gove would offer more effective leadership, Mr Ross said: “Rishi Sunak, along with the Prime Minister, is promoting the party up here.

“Rishi Sunak’s furlough s c h e me h a s p r o t e c t e d almost a million jobs here in Scotland."

Responding to the suggestion that further devolution could strengthen support for the union, Mr Ross said: “The answer is to have a government in Scotland that uses the powers it has to deliver for Scotland.”