Scots Tory leader Ruth Davidson has issued a thinly veiled attack on Nicola Sturgeon, appearing to suggest that the First Minister did not pull her weight in the the EU referendum.

Ms Davidson said she had put in her “shift” during the campaign, “in a way that an awful lot of people who are throwing a lot of stuff my way maybe didn't”.

She also refused to rule out a second EU vote, as she gave a speech at Westminster.

Earlier a ferocious row erupted after Ms Davidson said that calls for a second independence referendum were "utterly unjustified" and "completely irresponsible”.

Ms Sturgeon attacked what she said was the "selfish and reckless irresponsibility of the Tories" over the Brexit vote.

The SNP leader said: “Some words of contrition and apology from Ruth Davidson would be more appropriate than trying to lay down the law in an out-of-touch lecture, given it is the irresponsibility of her own party which has put Scotland in this position.

“It is the selfish and reckless irresponsibility of the Tories which has brought Scotland to the brink of being taken out of EU against our will with all the damage and upheaval, which that would entail for many years to come for our economy, society, rights and place in the world.

“In these circumstances, it is incumbent on Scottish Government to navigate a path that protects Scotland's interests and place in the EU. Given the seriousness of the situation we face, it would be wrong and irresponsible not to have all the options on the table."

Ms Davidson also said that new Prime Minister Theresa May was committed to having a "close and constructive" relationship with Scottish ministers.

She held talks with the new Conservative leader.

Ms Davidson also met Mr Cameron, who she later described as looking forward to his time on the backbenches.

She said that Mrs May was passionate about the Union and "focused on the need for strong and positive engagement between the UK and Scottish governments going forward".

Ms Davidson said: "It is vital that the Scottish Government - along with all the devolved administrations - is fully involved in the EU negotiations ahead.

"Theresa made it clear that she is committed to a close and constructive relationship with the Scottish Government.

"We discussed the importance of the single market to Scottish business, along with the need to champion defence jobs north of the border."

She also reiterated her call for new Prime Minister Theresa May to guarantee the status of EU nationals living in the UK.

She said that the Brexit result had put a strain on the Union.

But she suggested that the EU vote made the SNP's task of building support for independence more difficult.

She also pointedly refused to rule out a second Brexit vote, saying: "The honest answer is I don't know what's going to happen - I think it would be highly unlikely."

She also called for less comment about the gender and sexuality of politicians.

Joking about how the speed of the Tory leadership contest versus Labour's bid to oust Jeremy Corbyn, Ms Davidson said: "Labour is still fumbling with its flies while the Tories are enjoying their post-coital cigarette."