Douglas Ross, the Scottish Tory leader, has openly criticized the government's plan to extend the oil and gas windfall tax, a move that has sparked significant controversy within the Conservative Party. Ross stated that while he supports many aspects of the Budget, he cannot endorse the extension of this tax, which is expected to raise another £1.5billion. His stance has led to a broader rebellion among Scottish Tory MPs, who are expected to face considerable pressure to vote against the tax extension if it requires primary legislation. This internal conflict comes amid reports of a heated exchange between Ross and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak over the Budget. Additionally, the Nuclear and Renewables Minister, Andrew Bowie (@AndrewBowie_MP), is reportedly on resignation watch due to the proposed tax extension, highlighting the depth of the rift within the party over this issue. The situation has escalated to a point where the energy minister has publicly expressed disagreement with Chancellor Jeremy Hunt's policy, suggesting a significant level of dissent within the government ranks.
Scotland's papers: Tory budget row over oil windfall tax https://t.co/LHXQQz5vjG
Scottish Tory rebellion over North Sea windfall levy https://t.co/XBpjDHwJD8
Inside Sunak’s public row with Scottish Tory boss over oil windfall tax Douglas Ross told PM he was against extended levy ‘in no uncertain terms’, as he vows to vote against Budget move https://t.co/Ihg9SdHcJL
The fact that the Energy Minister is tweeting against his own Chancellor’s energy taxation policy shows that this is a collapsing Conservative Government. @AndrewBowie_MP I assume you are resigning given your disagreement with a key part of the Budget? https://t.co/63TpqtYf22
Government minister gives one of the chancellor's big announcements - the extension of the oil and gas windfall tax - a big thumbs-down. How long can he stay in his job? https://t.co/GIqUw4AGp9
Red-faced Tory leader Douglas Ross hung out to dry as windfall tax extension announced https://t.co/UMW2Ck4bvD https://t.co/G2JeaP01P8
Douglas Ross looks like someone pissed on his chips as Hunt raids North Sea oil and gas for another £1.5billion.
🏴 A major row is brewing between Downing Street and Tories in Scotland over the prospect the Government could extend the windfall tax on energy companies https://t.co/KFU9P7Jnol
Nuclear and renewables minister Andrew Bowie said to be "on resignation watch" over this as Scots Tories hit the roof over windfall tax extension. Not a great curtain-raiser for Hunt as he prepares to deliver his Budget. https://t.co/NH8X0ncOtu
NEW: Jeremy Hunt is already facing a major rebellion over his plan to extend the oil and gas windfall tax. Scots Tory leader Douglas Ross says: “While I support many of the Budget measures, I will not vote for this extension when it is brought before Parliament.”
Any extension in the Budget today to the windfall tax on the profits of oil and gas firms would require primary legislation. Scottish Tory MPs would be under huge pressure to vote against it.
Scotland's papers: Hunt's tax cut and Caldwell police probe plea https://t.co/zmMcKZkvBt
🚨 NEW: The Tories "talked down" Scottish Tory leader Douglas Ross amid fears he was about to quit over the Budget after a "stand-up row" with Rishi Sunak [@Telegraph]
Douglas Ross urges chancellor not to extend oil and gas windfall tax https://t.co/mjxPO67EEm