After Boris Johnson dropped out of the race to become the next Prime Minister, a Scottish MP said Rishi Sunak would be “just as bad” for the people of Scotland.
The comments by SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford come as the former chancellor has been dubbed the favourite to win the MPs’ vote following Mr Johnson’s dramatic withdrawal from the bid on Sunday evening.
The election to replace Liz Truss may now be contested solely by Mr Sunak and Penny Mordaunt, the Leader of the House.
Commenting, the SNP’s Westminster leader said: “No Tory Prime Minister can or will deliver for Scotland, and with his record of callous austerity from his time as chancellor we know Rishi Sunak will be just as bad as Johnson was for the people of Scotland.
“Having wrecked the economy, in a period of rule that’s seen mortgage rates rise, pensions fall, and soaring inflation driving up household bills, the last thing the country needs is another unelected Tory in Downing Street.
“If Tory MPs have any respect for democracy they’ll put the pressure on the new prime minister to immediately call a general election.
“This entire saga has shown exactly why Scotland needs independence – so we can once and for all escape the chaos and calamity of undemocratic Tory rule.”
Earlier, Mr Blackford wrote to Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer urging him to push for a vote of no confidence in the Tories, vowing he will work with other opposition parties to try to make this happen in a bid to force an early general election.