cotland tory MPs have been urged to support a vote of no confidence in the government before the party elects a new leader.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson resigned as Tory leader last week but said he would remain in the role until a new leader was elected – which could last until September 5.
labor leader Sir Keir Starmer announced his party would table a no-confidence motion against Boris Johnson on Tuesday in hopes of a vote the following day.
Sir Keir said the motion would challenge Tory MPs to “put their voters first, and the country first”.
The SNP called on Scotland’s six Tory MPs, only one of whom still supports the Prime Minister, to support the vote, which could force a general election.
All Scottish Tory MPs, with the exception of Scottish secretary Alister Jack, have been among the voices in the party in recent months calling on the prime minister to resign.
If the vote passes, the Queen can also invite someone else to form a government based on a confidence vote in the House of Commons.
But the motion, which would require a simple majority of MPs, would require significant support from the Tory banks if passed.
SNP deputy Westminster leader Kirsten Oswald said her party would support the motion if there was a vote.
SNP MPs will support a no-confidence vote in Johnson’s fractured government, but the fact is it won’t pass unless Tory MPs stand up and act
“Boris Johnson has downgraded the office of Prime Minister with his extensive record of misconduct and violating serial laws,” she said.
“His desperate attempts to cling on must be fought and it is up to Tory MPs to match their rhetoric with action and get him removed now.
“SNP MPs will support a no-confidence vote in Johnson’s fractured government, but the fact is, it won’t pass unless Tory MPs stand up and act.
“Douglas Ross and the Scottish Tory MPs must confirm that they will also vote in favor of the no-confidence vote rather than go into hiding or worse – vote to keep him in office.
“It’s no secret that Douglas Ross has his credibility torn with his pathetic flip-flops throughout this episode, but he has a chance to do the right thing for once.”
The vote would force Tory MPs to support or vote against the government.
The pressure comes as SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford said the battle to choose Johnson’s successor was a “race to the right”.
As the nominations closed on Tuesday, Mr Blackford said: “As the Tory leadership contest descends in a rabid race to the right, and the miserable list of candidates trying to outdo each other in support of a hard Brexit and deep austerity measures, it is clear whoever wins, Scotland will lose.
“This bleak Tory game underscores everything wrong with Westminster’s control — and advocates for independence.”