7 Scottish Conservative MSPs who could become next leader if Douglas Ross quits

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Scots Tory leader Douglas Ross has only been in the party's top job for two years but already senior colleagues are plotting to dump him.

His flip-flopping over Boris Johnson’s future as PM and an embarrassing U-turn over successor Liz Truss’ tax cut plan have made him a lame duck in the eyes of his critics.

Poor relations with some MSP colleagues are also fuelling speculation he may not be in post for much longer.He stoked the rumours himself at the Tory conference in Birmingham by saying he would raise a toast if he remained leader by Hogmanay.With Ross on the ropes, the Record can reveal the MSPs in the male-dominated Tory group tipped as potential contenders for one of the worst jobs in Scottish politics.As one senior Tory put it: "If you think Douglas is bad, the alternatives are even worse."An ally of Ross, the Central Scotland MSP is seen by activists as an old-school bruiser who takes the fight to the SNP.But sceptics believe he would have limited appeal beyond the Tory core vote and struggle to increase Conservative support.Even if he sees himself as the future, others may view him as a throwback to the past.First elected in 2021, the Glasgow MSP does not have the baggage of some of his more grizzled colleagues.As a GP, he has also impressed in the health brief and is seen as one of the best shadow cabinet performers.However, it is not entirely clear what Gulhane believes in.He is also said to enjoy the sound of his own voice, although having an ego is considered a must in front-line politics.The Mid Scotland and Fife MSP is a formidable Holyrood debater who is renowned for winding up opponents on Twitter.But he was badly bruised by his defeat to Ruth Davidson in the 2011 leadership contest, during which he