David Cameron has revealed he believes the “shine” is coming off the SNP ball.
The prime minister criticised the Holyrood Government’s record as he addressed activists at the Conservative party conference in Manchester.
He dismissed Labour as a “busted flush” and described the Liberal Democrats as “gone”.
Turning to Nicola Sturgeon’s party, he added: “The SNP – the shine is coming off the ball.
“Ask yourself is the health service better off in Scotland under the SNP?”
His question was met with cries of “no”.
The Tory leader continued: “Are educational standards getting better under the SNP?”
Without mentioning anyone by name, he pointed to the alleged irregularities relating to transactions linked to Michelle Thomson, Edinburgh West MP. She has resigned the SNP whip at Westminster while a police investigation is ongoing.
Mr Cameron also threw his weight behind Scottish leader Ruth Davidson ahead of the Scottish Parliament elections in May. She was greeted with chants of “Ruth, Ruth, Ruth” as she addressed the crowd.
The difference between a good and great government, he said, was taking on the big society issues.
He added: “Let’s go to the deepest and the darkest and most difficult problems in our country. That’s what we should dedicate ourselves to do whilst saving the UK.”
Scottish secretary David Mundell, who also attended the event, joked about holding exorcisms at the Scotland Office to ensure “every trace of Lib Demmery” had gone.