Boris’s Thatcher coal mine quip infuriates Tory MPs

During the Scottish parliament election campaign, Boris Johnson was criticised by the SNP for failing to visit Scotland. His absence wasn’t seen as such a bad thing, however, by Scottish Tories who took the view that a visit from the Prime Minister was a risky bet and could actually prove a voter turn off when it came to a winning electoral pitch. So the very fact Johnson this week embarked on a visit north of the border ought to be taken as a sign that the independence situation is improving for unionists. 

After Nicola Sturgeon fell one short of a majority in the Holyrood elections, an effort is underway to use this opportunity to boost support for the union. As James explained on Coffee House Shots, this involves ministers – including the Prime Minister – visiting Scotland so regularly that it is no longer a story or seen as news when they do. But Johnson’s latest Scotland trip has left several Tories questioning the wisdom of this approach.