Tory leadership candidate lodges complaint over 'career threat'

Scottish Conservative leadership candidate Meghan Gallacher has lodged a complaint about the alleged behaviour of an MP during the contest.

The MSP is reported to have accused John Lamont of falsely telling party members she would drop out of the race to endorse another candidate, Murdo Fraser.

During a subsequent phone call to discuss the matter, she felt Mr Lamont threatened her future political career, according to the Daily Telegraph.

Mr Lamont, the shadow Scottish Secretary, strongly denies the allegations and said he was considering legal action.

He said: "These claims are defamatory and false. I am now considering further action including legal options."

Sources close to Mr Lamont told BBC News that during the phone call - which was heard by another MP - he merely told Ms Gallacher their relationship had been damaged by her claims, and that he did not make any threats to her career.

A spokesperson for the Conservative Party said: "The party has received a complaint and this will be investigated in the usual way."

The complaint is said to have been accompanied by a witness statement from Ms Gallacher's husband who listened to the conversation on speakerphone.

The investigation will be handled by the party's headquarters in London.

Mr Lamont is backing MSP Russell Findlay in the contest, which was prompted by the announcement by Douglas Ross in June that he planned to step down.

The party's final hustings events are taking place this weekend after ballot papers were sent out earlier this week.

The winner of the contest to replace Mr Ross will be announced on 27 September.

The third candidate in the race, Murdo Fraser, posted on X that Ms Gallacher's allegations were "disturbing".

"These claims by my friend and fellow candidate Meghan Gallacher need to be thoroughly investigated and appropriate action taken," he wrote.

"I have contacted Meghan to offer my support at what must be a very difficult time."