A north-east MP has been given a central role in Boris Johnson’s leadership campaign, it can be revealed.
Aberdeen South MP Ross Thomson has been appointed “chairman of the campaign in Scotland” and will be responsible for coordinating MPs, MSPs, councillors and the ground campaign for Mr Johnson.
Mr Thomson will also provide advice on policy for Scotland and will help coordinate campaign messages.
He said: “It is a huge honour to have been asked to chair Boris’ leadership campaign in Scotland at a time of huge excitement and opportunity for our country.
“Boris springs into this campaign with huge momentum, having won the support of over 50% of Conservative MPs.
“He has demonstrated that he can bring MPs together across leave and remain lines. He will unify our party and our country.”
“Boris is the only candidate in this contest committed to delivering Brexit by October 31, which will restore trust in our politics.”
Mr Thomson told the Press and Journal that “strengthening the Union” would lie at the heart of Mr Johnson’s agenda as prime minister.
The P&J revealed last week that a “Union unit” would be established in Downing Street, were Mr Johnson to win the Tory crown, with the express aim of ensuring policies worked with devolution.
Mr Thomson added: “Prioritising and strengthening the United Kingdom and Scotland’s place within it will be at the heart of Boris’ premiership, which is why he’s secured the public backing of four Scottish MPs here in the north-east.
“I’m looking forward to the upcoming campaign, to engaging with members and to making the positive case for why Boris Johnson can make us believe in ourselves again as a country, enable everyone to fulfil their potential and take part in the huge opportunities of this incredible country.
“Britain needs Boris.”
Mr Johnson will face off against Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt in a series of hustings over the next month before Conservative Party members vote to decide who will be Britain’s next prime minister.
The result is expected in the week beginning July 22.
