Ruth Davidson ‘livid’ after Prime Minister Boris Johnson ignored pleas to spare Scottish Secretary David Mundell
BORIS JOHNSON faces a bitter new row with a “livid” Ruth Davidson after booting out her choice for Scottish Secretary.
Sources yesterday claimed the Scottish Tory leader was furious after Boris ignored her request to keep David Mundell in place.
Mr Mundell was one of 11 Cabinet Ministers axed in the biggest reshuffle in modern political history. He was replaced by Alister Jack.
It sets up a difficult meeting on Monday when the new PM is expected to meet Ms Davidson on a visit to Glasgow.
A senior Scottish Tory source yesterday said: “Ruth Davidson had been pushing hard behind the scenes for Mundell to stay in office.
“This was the first big test of whether Boris would listen to her, and he’s effectively told her where to go.
They didn’t see eye to eye anyway, but where this leaves them is anyone’s guess.”
Friends of Ms Davidson – seen as a future leader for her transformation of the Tory fortunes in Scotland – played down talk of a row last night.
LONG LINE OF SPATS
One ally said: “She was disappointed to see David go, but is very happy to see Alister in place.”
But it marks the latest in a long line of spats between the pair – dating back to the Referendum campaign when they repeatedly clashed in a TV debate.
In the Tory leadership contest, the influential Scot first backed Sajid Javid, then Michael Gove and ultimately Jeremy Hunt.
Speaking after Boris’ victory, Ms Davidson said she had “personal concerns” about what kind of PM he was going to be. She said: “Warm words aren’t going to be enough.”
She added: “I’ve been a critic of Boris Johnson when our ideas have differed and when I thought he had merited it, and I will continue to be so.”
Another Tory insider said yesterday said Ms Davidson believed Mr Mundell’s talents were “unrivalled” among the Scottish Tory MPs.
They said: “Ruth was clear about David’s strategic ability - he’s the politician who most gets under the skin of the SNP.
“He’s the person Nicola Sturgeon least wanted as Scottish Secretary - which tells you all you need to know.
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“David was half expecting to go, so he was shocked but not surprised.
“He wrote about his opposition to a No Deal during the campaign. That and his previous comments about Boris wrecked it for him.
“He was willing to sign up to fighting for a deal, but obviously Boris needs 100 per cent assurance that his Cabinet ministers will not quit if it comes to a No Deal.”
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