SCOTS TORY TEAMS UP WITH GRENCH FAR RIGHT

Calls for Conservatives to dump controversial campaigner

- PAUL HUTCHEON

A LEADING Tory campaigner has been jetting off to France to campaign for Marine Le Pen’s far-right party as it sweeps to power.

Former Scottish Tory candidate John White revelled in getting a photo with the anti-immigrant National Rally president, Jordan Bardella, who is in line to be the next prime minister of France.

He has also been a prominent campaigner for the Tories, posing with Conservative candidate David Mundell and former leader Ruth Davidson.

Last night there were calls from Scottish Labour for the Tories to tackle extremists in their ranks after the link between the Scottish Tory activist and National Rally were uncovered by the Daily Record.

Jackie Baillie, Scottish Labour’s deputy leader, said: “That someone considered suitable for political office by the Tory party has been campaigning overseas in this manner raises serious questions about the party’s judgement.

“There is no place for hate in Scottish politics – whatever our political prospectus, we should be working to unite Scotland’s communities for a better future, not trying to divide them.”

National Rally, which used to be the National Front, could win the parliamentary elections in France after the NR and allies won 33 per cent of first round votes at the weekend.

Bardella, 28, has threatened a “cultural battle” against Islamism.

NR positions include ending birthright citizenship for people born in France to foreign parents, making it easier to close mosques and barring dual nationals from some state jobs.

White, a former Scottish Tory council candidate, has been enjoying the success of Bardella.