THE Scottish Conservatives have dismissed claims the party will split from the UK Tories if Boris Johnson becomes leader.

According to reports, a source close to the Scots Tory leader said: "We'll do a Murdo. We'll have to break off," if the former London mayor succeeded David Cameron in the wake of a Brexit vote.

The comment appeared to be a reference to former Scots Tory leadership challenger Murdo Fraser's plan to split from the UK party.

The claims were reported a day after Ms Davidson, writing in the Daily Mail, said Mr Johnson and Ukip leader Nigel Farage had the same 'brazen chauvinistic style' as Alex Salmond.

But a Scottish Conservative spokesman said: "There is no substance to this whatsoever.

"We have just achieved our best ever result in a Scottish election, proving that we can win in Scotland as Conservatives.

"Our entire focus is on being the strong opposition Scotland needs."