South Scotland Labour MSP Colin Smyth has challenged local Tory politicians to say where they stand on the future of Prime Minister Liz Truss.

Conservative MP David Mundell and South Scotland MSPs Oliver Mundell, Finlay Carson, Craig Hoy, Rachael Hamilton and Sharon Dowey all backed Liz Truss’ leadership bid. MP Alister Jack hailed her election as Leader when he took up the post of Secretary of State for Scotland.

Now Colin Smyth has challenged them to say whether they still back her continuing as Prime Minister, after a disastrous premiership which culminated in her first mini budget being reversed after just days.

Colin Smyth said: “Local Tory MPs and MSPs all backed Liz Truss bid to be Leader. I think people deserve an apology from them all and to know where they now stand over the future of the Prime Minister, given how utterly disastrous their decision was. They should come out of hiding and say whether they back or plan to sack Liz Truss.

“What makes me so angry is many of us warned that the pledges Liz Truss made in her Leadership bid would hammer families hard, but local Tories still hailed policies that have now all pretty much been scrapped. Now local families are paying the price with higher mortgages, cuts to our key public services and energy bills which will rise further.

“However, changing the chancellor and even changing Tory Leader again won’t be enough. We need a change of Government before this incompetent bunch trash what is left of our economy and public services.”