BORIS Johnson has lost the Scottish Conservative party, with four out of the party's six MPs calling for him to be removed from post.
John Lamont resigned as PPS to Foreign Secretary Liz Truss to vote against the Prime Minister n in tonight’s confidence ballot.
In a statement, the MP for Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk said he had left his junior role in the government "after considerable thought and reflection".
Tonight, I have voted against the Prime Minister in the Vote of Confidence.
— John Lamont MP 🇬🇧🏴 (@John2Win) June 6, 2022
I have also resigned as PPS to Liz Truss at @FCDOGovUK.
My statement below 👇 pic.twitter.com/SGNFHsWwAr
Mr Lamont said: "I have loved working with the Foreign Secretary, the team at FCDO and, prior to that, at DCMS. However, tonight I will be voting against the Prime Minister in the Vote of Confidence."
He said he had "consulted widely" with constituents and had "received thousands of emails and had countless conversations about the Prime Minister’s performance over the last few weeks and months."
Mr Lamont said that the "unfortunate reality is that the government has become overwhelmed by these events, to the detriment of my constituents and people across the United Kingdom.
"The amazing work that this government is doing in Scotland and across the UK is increasingly being overshadowed.
“This has been an incredibly difficult decision. I know that many colleagues have been wrestling with their conscience today and I respect that some MPs will have reached a different conclusion.”
Meanwhile, Andrew Bowie, the MP for West Aberdeenshire said he had, "with a heavy heart" taken "the extremely tough decision to vote against the Prime Minister.
"I have not taken the decision lightly, at all, but after listening to my constituents.
"They remain understandably angry and upset at what has happened, this was the only choice for the good of the country."
Douglas Ross, the party's leader in Scotland said he could not in good faith back the Prime Minister.
Former Scottish Secretary David Mundell said he had also voted against the Prime Minister.
He said: "After a difficult couple of years and listening to the views of my constituents, I voted tonight for a fresh start and new leadership for our country."
After a difficult couple of years and listening to the views of my constituents, I voted tonight for a fresh start and new leadership for our country.
— David Mundell MP (@DavidMundellDCT) June 6, 2022
It means Secretary of State for Scotland, Alister Jack, is increasingly at odds with his colleagues.
In a statement, Mr Jack said: "The Prime Minister has my full support, and I will be voting to back him tonight.
"He is showing tremendous leadership as we face major challenges at home and abroad. I have no doubt that my colleagues in the Parliamentary party will vote to show their confidence in the Prime Minister.”
However, David Duguid, the Tory MP for Banff and Buchan backed the Prime Minister.
“Since this situation arose, I’ve repeatedly expressed my concerns at the behaviour and culture that was reported at Downing Street and the Cabinet Office,” he said.
“It’s absolutely right that there was an investigation carried out and Sue Gray’s final report has acknowledged changes have already been made.
“Nothing that’s happened in the last 24 hours has changed my opinion on whether or not the Prime Minister needs to resign, so tonight I voted against the motion of no confidence.
“With our recovery from the pandemic and the global inflation pressures that have yet to hit us fully, I believe this is in the best interests of the country.
“Throughout this situation, I have focused on tackling the issues which are most important and relevant to Banff and Buchan, and I will continue to do so going forward.”
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