New Scottish Secretary Alister Jack has thanked Ruth Davidson for hier “outstanding” work as leader of the Tories in Scotland.

Mr Jack, who took over from David Mundell after Boris Johnson became Prime Minister, said her “leadership has been inspirational and transformational”.

His comments came despite Ms Davidson having lobbied the PM to keep David Mundell, the previous Scottish secretary, in the job.

Mr Jack, one of 13 Scottish Conservative MPs elected in 2017, said: “Ruth Davidson has been an outstanding leader of the Scottish Conservatives for nearly eight years and I want to put on record my thanks for everything she has achieved.

“She has inspired a new generation of Scottish Conservative politicians, activists and supporters – and in turn that has transformed our party’s fortunes.

“In short, she has made the Scottish Conservatives the only credible challenger to the SNP in Scotland.”

He added: “It is thanks to Ruth that we have become the official opposition at Holyrood, holding Nicola Sturgeon’s failing, high-tax, independence-obsessed administration to account so effectively.

“It’s also thanks to Ruth that we have a strong complement of 13 Scottish Conservative MPs standing up for Scotland’s interests at Westminster.”

Mr Jack continued: “At the heart of Ruth’s success has been her brilliance as a communicator and her passion for strengthening Scotland’s place in the UK.

“She has consistently articulated a positive vision of the Union and that is why she played such an important role in the successful 2014 campaign to stay part of the UK and why a majority of Scots continue to oppose a second independence referendum.

READ MORE: Ruth Davidson confirms her resignation as Scottish Conservative leader 

“She is a huge loss but she steps down with an incredibly impressive record of achievement to look back on and I wish her my very wishes for the future.”

First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon tweeted: "I wish Ruth well for the future.
"I know well the toll political leadership can take on family life and no-one will grudge her more time with her young son.

"There will be opportunity later to discuss the politics of her decision - but for now, I'll simply send my best wishes."

Conservative MP and former Secretary of State for Scotland David Mundell said he understood Ruth Davidson's decision but he would "miss her greatly".

He tweeted: "As leader she transformed Scottish Tories fortunes and was a passionate voice for the Union. Our politics needs more authentic voices like Ruth's and I hope that can be her legacy."

READ MORE: Tom Gordon: Davidson’s departure leaves a hole in her party and a breach in the Union’s defence 

MP Nick Boles, who left the Conservative Party in April this year, tweeted: "The only person who could have tempted me to return to the Conservative fold is Ruth Davidson. Her characteristically honourable and human decision removes the last significant voice of liberal, progressive conservatism from the party."

Former prime minister Theresa May tweeted: "Sorry to see Ruth Davidson step down as leader of the Scottish Tories.
"Thank you for all you've done for our party and our Union over the last eight years, and enjoy your well-deserved family time with Jen and Finn."