South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth has urged local Tory MPs David Mundell and John Lamont to ‘come off the fence’ and declare whether they support Boris Johnson’s continued leadership or not.

The Prime Minister has been facing questions about whether he’s fit to continue in his role, following reports of Downing Street parties taking place during lockdown, which he has admitted to attending.

Media reports have stated that as of Wednesday morning, the Tories could be facing a leadership contest sooner than expected, as dozens of no confidence letters have apparently been submitted. If 54 MPs submit letters, it would trigger a leadership contest.

Colin Smyth has also signed a motion of no confidence in the Prime Minister that will come before the Scottish Parliament- and has challenged Tory MSPs to do the same, including Dumfriesshire MSP Oliver Mundell who refuses to declare his view on the future of Boris Johnson.

Colin Smyth said: “It is time the south of Scotland’s Tory MPs come off the fence and let their constituents know one way or another if they support Boris Johnson’s continued leadership.

“Boris Johnson’s actions show that he thinks he’s above the law and there is one rule for him and one for ordinary people.

“I have spoken with families who didn’t get to see loved ones in care homes before they died or weren’t able to attend the funeral of family members, while Tory politicians were partying and showing utter contempt for everyone else.

“Boris Johnson’s defence that he didn’t know he was at a party is an insult to the public, but so too is the failure of Tory MPs such as David Mundell and John Lamont to break their silence on the future of our Prime Minister.

“It’s time for them to come clean now and say whether they have they written to the Tories’ 1922 Committee calling for a Leadership contest and do they think Johnson should go. Their constituents have a right to know.

“There is also likely to be a vote in the Scottish Parliament on a vote of confidence in Boris Johnson. I have signed the motion calling for the Prime Minister to quit. If Tory MSPs claim they believe he should go, they should also sign the motion and make clear they will support any motion of no confidence that comes before the Scottish Parliament, but so far none have done so, and Oliver Mundell won’t even say if he supports the Prime Minister or not”.