THERE is much talk and speculation about how Boris Johnson will perform when (as now seems certain) he becomes leader of the Conservative Party and therefore the UK Prime Minister within the next week or two ("Johnson steps closer to No 10 as three lose out but Hunt and Gove still circle", The Herald, June 14). But there has been hardly a mention of how he will deal with the devolved nations of Scotland and Wales and their separate parliaments and governments once he moves into Downing Street.

As far as I know Mr Johnson has never even visited Scotland, and knows nothing at all (and cares even less) about our separate history, culture and political systems. I don’t recall the subject coming up at all in the many interviews, programmes and discussions about his political views and aspirations. He is and always has been totally London-based and London-centred, and has never talked about or shown any interest in the rest of England, let alone the other nations and regions of the United Kingdom.

When (if) Mr Johnson becomes Prime Minister and the political leader of the United Kingdom, he will have to learn very quickly about a whole range of UK-wide interests, problems and aspirations that he has never had to consider and deal with up to now. And on the evidence to date, there is no indication that he is either willing or capable of doing so.

Perhaps Scottish independence is not so far away after all. Who would have thought that Boris Johnson would be the one to finally bring that about?

Iain AD Mann, Glasgow G12.

IT is shocking that nearly one-third of Conservative MPs voted for a possible Prime Minister who was an incompetent Foreign Secretary, has inconsistent policies and is morally flaky.

It is thought that he would "see off" Jeremy Corbyn in a future General Election but, in believing this, these MPs underestimate the intelligence of the voters. The Labour Party may have ruinous economic policies but Mr Corbyn is respected as an upright citizen who speaks with passion and belief.

To my mind, it is only the two Scots, Michael Gove and Rory Scott, who are acceptable candidates. They are realistic and honest about Brexit and can be counted on to speak and act honourably in the best interests of the UK.

Iris Clyde, Kirkwall.

DO I detect in the Tory Party leadership contest the hint of a story of biblical proportions?

Already we have the virtual champion who has swept aside his opposition in the first battle of the campaign for the leadership, leaving them bruised, battered and bewildered.

Many of those vying with the blundering, blond behemoth are already licking their wounds and contemplating retiring from the fray.

One has already slunk away.

There is, however, one small,defiant voice who refuses to concede defeat, still willing to fight on to try to bring down Boris Johnson.

Please do not underestimate the presence of Rory Stewart, who looks and sounds like the authentic and grounded voice of the true Conservative Party with his refreshingly incisive and forensic policy presentation.

Of course, he has many hurdles to cross before he could face Mr Johnson in a one-to-one contest where the Tory Party members have to choose between them..

So this David and Goliath struggle may never happen, if things go awry in the meantime.

Be that as it may, we should realise that Mr Stewart is the voice of the future, Mr Johnson the voice of a deluded past.

I would go so far as to say that, if Mr Stewart succeeds, I would be content to vote Tory for the first time in my life, whereas I would fight tooth and nail to prevent Mr Johnson from being voted in as PM.

Denis Bruce, Bishopbriggs.

IT appears that a third Ruth Davidson has appeared.

A lady called Ruth Davidson recently said that a referendum on Scottish independence should only happen if the SNP wins an “outright majority” at the next Holyrood elections.

Prior to this another lady called Ruth Davidson said that the next UK Prime Minister should continue to refuse a referendum on Scottish independence whatever the circumstances.

In July 2016 a lady, also called Ruth Davidson, commented it would “not be wise” for the next Prime Minister to block a request for a second independence referendum.

At the time she noted that questions over trading markets, currency and borders were now “utterly different” following the UK’s decision to leave the European Union.

It would clearly be good for the public to know which Ruth Davidson is the leader of the Scottish Conservatives.

Alex Orr,

Edinburgh EH9.

HAS it occurred to readers that the withdrawal of free TV licences to older people is actually an in-crease of £150+ in taxation? The Conservative Party is well aware that much of its support comes from older voters (though not this one). George Osborne found a sneaky way of tapping us for money, by transferring the benefit to the BBC, knowing that this was an unsustainable burden for the state broadcaster but making sure that this benefit was off the Government's books.

We also learn that our local council is to start charging for emptying the brown bins (garden refuse). This also becomes a tax which is likely to affect the elderly disproportionately and is entirely due to the austerity programme emanating from the UK Government and is part of the drive to leave local democracy (and also the Scottish Government) starved of funds. Then there is the insult of the 25p weekly over-80 allowance, which will not buy a second-class postage stamp and which continues to lose value through inflation. Never mind, Boris will sort it.

Andrew McCrae, Gourock.

I'M amused by SNP supporters on social media insisting that, following the failed Brexit implementation process in the Commons, the change in Prime Minister should be instigated via a general election and not by the Tory membership.

How short their memories must be. Nicola Sturgeon replaced Alex Salmond in 2014, after his failed in-dependence attempt, without a Holyrood election. Indeed, not even SNP members voted, as Ms Sturgeon was unopposed .

Martin Redfern, Edinburgh EH10.

Read more: Boris Johnson has one foot in Downing Street