THE current Scottish Tory chief lacks Ruth Davidson’s “charisma and reach”, which is why he has “never succeeded” to be a popular leader, according to polling expert John Curtice.

The professor of politics at Strathclyde made the comment after a bleak few days for Douglas Ross. The Moray MP had previously called for Boris Johnson to resign over partygate, but U-turned amid the Ukraine invasion – and when fines were issued to the Prime Minister and Chancellor this week, refused to call for them to step down.

Ross continued to use the Ukraine situation to defend Johnson’s position, citing graphic images of death and destruction in eastern Europe during a radio interview, and found himself accused of resorting to the “lowest of the low” excuses by Scotland’s First Minister.

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With the local elections approaching Ross now faces a serious challenge for the Scottish Tories. On the doorsteps in Edinburgh on Wednesday, a National reporter saw one voter furious over partygate throw a campaign leaflet back at him.

Curtice said the Tories in Scotland are “at risk” of falling from their current position as the second-biggest party.

“The truth is Douglas Ross has never succeeded, ever since he’s been leader, in becoming a popular leader of the Scottish Conservatives,” the expert said.

“He certainly doesn’t have the charisma and reach to the public that Ruth Davidson had when she was Scottish leader. While Anas Sarwar is not highly popular he is certainly more popular than Mr Ross.”

Ross defended himself against Curtice’s comments while on the campaign trail, arguing that everyone’s entitled to their view.

“I always listen to Sir John Curtice …” he said. “People say a lot about my leadership and about other people’s leadership and they are perfectly entitled to do that because we live in a democracy where people can have different views and thank God we do.”

The National:

While out with Ross on Wednesday, Davidson – who has called for Johnson to resign – said he was in a difficult position.

When asked if she was disappointed by Ross's stance, the former leader said: “I’ve got no issue with Douglas.

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“I think Douglas has been put in a terrible position. Probably the hardest position that any Scottish leader ever has been, and as somebody who was the leader for eight years, I know what it’s like to have been dumped in it by colleagues down south.

“I think Douglas was pretty, pretty gutsy to come out early to say that this wasn’t on.”