SCOTTISH Secretary David Mundell is backing Michael Gove in the next round of the Conservative leadership contest.
Mundell said the Environment Secretary has a "strong track record of supporting Scottish interests".
Announcing his voting intention on Twitter, Mundell wrote: "I will be voting for Michael Gove in the next round of the Tory Leadership Contest.
"Michael's track record in Government is of supporting Scottish interests and standing up for our United Kingdom."
READ MORE: Rebellion in ranks as Tory MPs back anyone but Davidson’s favourite
Mundell voted for Matt Hancock in the first ballot of leadership contenders earlier this week but the Health Secretary then withdrew from the race, after coming sixth.
The Scottish Secretary's announcement means he remains at odds with Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson over who should become party leader, and therefore Prime Minister.
Davidson has already backed Home Secretary Sajid Javid in the leadership race.
Davidson said Javid, the son of a Pakistani bus driver, "embodies the Conservative values of aspiration, education, opportunity, hard work and just reward".
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel