A CONTROVERSIAL Tory MP has suggested his Scottish colleagues are “a***holes” for opposing Boris Johnson.

Brexiter Ross Thomson, who represents Aberdeen South, launched the outspoken attack after praising the “energy, optimism, passion and enthusiasm” of the former foreign secretary.

It came after it emerged senior Scottish Tories have launched a bid – dubbed “Operation A***hole” – to stop Mr Johnson succeeding Theresa May amid fears it could damage their prospects north of the Border.

Mr Thomson said Mr Johnson had been a highlight of the Tory conference in Birmingham.

He wrote on twitter: “Regardless of your view of @BorisJohnson, today in his characteristic style he injected some much needed energy, optimism, passion and enthusiasm to a flat conference.

“The reaction in the hall was electric which even those ‘Operation Arsehole’s’ [sic] can’t deny.”

He was later filmed flanking Mr Johnson as he waded through a media scrum.

His enthusiastic praise stands in stark contrast to his party’s leadership in Scotland.

Ruth Davidson has repeatedly criticised Mr Johnson, while Scottish Secretary David Mundell accused him of self-interest.

Mr Mundell told a conference fringe event: "I think what is a fact is that Mr Johnson is not an asset for the Scottish Conservative Party.

"I don't think people find that his behaviour is one that would endear him to voters.”

Mr Thomson was previously accused of gross insensitivity after joking about Saddam Hussein during a trip to Iraq.