DOUGLAS Ross has hailed a “really productive” first Number 10 meeting with new Prime Minister Rishi Sunak as they discussed a range of issues.
The Scottish Tory leader – whose position is in doubt after repeated U-turns this year – smiled for a photo alongside the PM after the talks. The picture went on Ross’s Twitter account – but not Sunak’s.
According to a Scottish Tory spokesperson the conversation focused on topics like cost-of-living support for families and improving Scotland’s economy.
Senior Scottish Tories had boasted ahead of the meeting that the talks were evidence that the Prime Minister “really wants to engage and is aware of the significance of the constitutional issue”.
However, the spokesperson did not refer to the pair discussing independence on Monday afternoon.
After the pair met, a party spokesperson said: “Douglas had a productive and constructive meeting with the Prime Minister.
"The topics they discussed included the support the UK Government are providing Scottish households in the global cost-of-living crisis and delivering growth in the Scottish economy.”
It is understood that Sunak will be planning a trip to Scotland in the coming weeks.
Sunak has taken a different approach to dealing with his Scottish political colleagues than predecessor Liz Truss.
In her 49 days in office, Truss did not reach out to Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon. She had said before becoming Conservative leader that Sturgeon was best “ignored”.
However following their first phone call last week, a Scottish Government spokesperson indicated the conversation between Sunak and Sturgeon had been positive.
“She expressed her hope that political differences notwithstanding, they would build a constructive working relationship,” the spokesperson said.
“She made clear that the Scottish Government would do everything possible to establish such a constructive relationship but stressed that this must be built on mutual respect.”
