A FAMILY split has emerged between the Scottish Secretary and his son over whether the UK should remain in the European Union.
Oliver Mundell, the newly-elected MSP, revealed that had decided to vote to leave next month, saying he wanted to "stand up and be counted".
The position clashes with that of his father, David Mundell, a cabinet ally of David Cameron who believes Britain should stay in.
Oliver was among seven Tory MSPs and one Labour member, Elaine Smith, who refused to back the remain camp in a symbolic vote in the Scottish Parliament yesterday. However, one newly-elected Conservative, Maurice Corry, later insisted he had pressed the wrong button by mistake and had intended to support a Scottish Government motion that supported continued EU membership.
Oliver said that he was particularly concerned that the UK did not get a good deal from European agricultural policy but that he did not believe his decision would affect his relationship with his father. He added: "It shouldn't be seen as a whitewash where everyone in elected office in Scotland is expected to vote in."
The senior Mundell said that his son was "his own man" and was entitled to take his own position. The Secretary of State told ITV Border: "I respect his opinion on the EU, but obviously don't agree with it."
In total, 106 MSPs backed remaining in the EU, including every SNP, Liberal Democrat and Green member who voted. Three MSPs, two Tories and Labour's Neil Findlay, abstained.
During the debate, external affairs secretary Fiona Hyslop warned those campaigning to stay in Europe that they must abandon their "incredible Project Fear tactics", arguing these could deter Scots from turning out at the polls on June 23.
The result was welcomed by the Scotland Stronger in Europe campaign, which hailed an "overwhelming" result delivered with significant cross-party support.
Opinion polls have consistently predicted that a strong remain vote will be delivered in Scotland, with surveys south of the border more unpredictable.
Professor Mona Siddiqui, Chair of the Scotland Stronger In Europe Advisory Group, said: "Our economy is stronger in the single European market, and we all benefit from EU social justice measures such as rights in the workplace and action to improve the environment. Remain is the positive choice, and by coming together as MSPs did, voters in Scotland could make the crucial difference in achieving a UK-wide vote to stay."
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