Scottish Tories clash over rules for leadership contest amid ‘stitch up’ claims

Mr Findlay is believed to be edging towards announcing his candidacy, while allies of Murdo Fraser, who has previously backed setting up a breakaway Scottish party, expect him to run. The two are seen as the early frontrunners.

Jamie Greene, who is on the Left of the party, is considering standing as is fellow backbencher Maurice Golden. Sources said Mr Hoy was unlikely to put himself forward but he has not yet ruled it out.

Another MSP said it would be “sensible” for Mr Ross and Mr Hoy, both seen as part of a small inner circle at the top of the Scottish party, to recuse themselves from decision-making around the leadership election.

“It seems prudent for those in the hierarchy of the party management team to stay entirely neutral or excuse themselves completely from running the process,” they said.

“There’s a strong feeling there must be a level playing field without any management intervention. The MSP group wouldn’t tolerate any stitch up.”

However, another Tory source said that “everyone under the sun” was in favour of “a lengthy, open contest”.

“Only the most paranoid in the MSP group are preaching this nonsense,” they said. “They’re losing the plot over nothing and need to calm down just a touch.

“Attacking Craig Hoy, a man who is decent and reasonable to everyone he encounters, shows the true colours of these people.”