Ruth Davidson was last night said to be “disappointed” that Boris Johnson had sacked David Mundell as Scottish Secretary.
Mr Mundell’s departure from Cabinet was interpreted by many as another sign of the simmering tensions between Ms Davidson and the new prime minister.
The Scottish Tory leader had hoped Mr Johnson would retain Mr Mundell as Scottish Secretary, praising him for standing up against the SNP and protecting the Union.
Last night a source close to Ms Davidson said: “Ruth did talk-up David as she thought Boris would benefit from his experience. And she is disappointed that he didn’t keep him on.”
Mr Mundell had been prepared to serve under Mr Johnson, despite indicating previously that he would find it hard to work with the new prime minister.
The outgoing Scottish Secretary did not support Mr Johnson in the leadership contest, voted Remain and has opposed leaving the EU without a deal.
Those close to Mr Mundell said the Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweed MP was prepared to compromise in order to keep his job and take Mr Johnson’s claims that he favours leaving with a deal at face value.
Speaking on BBC Radio Scotland yesterday morning, Mr Mundell refused to say if he would vote down a no-deal Brexit if it comes before the House of Commons.
Mr Mundell declined to give a straight answer when asked about the scenario.
He said: “I am very clear I don’t think no-deal is a good outcome but on the other hand I am very, very clear we have to leave the EU.
“We have to deliver on the electoral mandate from the referendum, if not I think we face a severe dislocation to our political system.”
He confirmed that he would have been willing to continue in government, saying: “I’m not going to apologise for being willing to compromise, being willing to work with other people even though I have reservations about them.
“I have never been a cheerleader for Mr Johnson, I think people know that.
“But yes I would have been willing to work with him to secure Scotland’s place in the union and to deliver Brexit.”
