Tory leadership hopeful calls for answers over contest claims

Mr Findlay, speaking at a campaign event in Glasgow, said the past week had shown his party “in a poor light” and that “legitimate questions” must be answered.

The West of Scotland MSP, who is the party’s justice spokesperson, has insisted he had no knowledge of the conversation between Mr Ross and Ms Robertson.

Speaking in Glasgow, he called for clarity over what was said.

He also said questions should be answered about the controversial selection process that saw Mr Ross stand instead of a colleague who had been ill in hospital in the Aberdeenshire North and Moray East seat.

However, Mr Findlay insisted he believed that the process was transparent.

“I don’t think there’s been anything said that would suggest that’s not the case,” he told reporters.

He added: “I am confident that our party will have a robust and fair contest for leadership and whoever prevails will unite us.”

Former party leader Jackson Carlaw has called on Mr Ross to resign immediately as party leader over the matter.

But Mr Findlay said he saw no reason for the current leader to step down before the end of the contest.