David Cameron has admitted that he may not be the best person to front the campaign against Scottish independence.
His comments came as Labour’s Ian Davidson suggested a “Tory toff from the home counties” campaigning for Scotland to remain part of the UK would prove counter-productive for those fighting independence.
The Prime Minister made the surprise admission as he again ruled out facing First Minister Alex Salmond in a live television debate ahead of September’s vote.
But Mr Davidson, the MP for Glasgow South West, said it was “genuinely absurd” the leader of the No campaign, Labour former chancellor Alistair Darling, could not secure a debate against Mr Salmond as the SNP leader was still hoping to face the prime minister in a head-to-head debate on television instead.
Turning to Mr Cameron, the MP also teased him about his decision to award his hairdresser Lino Carbosiero an MBE in the New Year’s honours list.
Mr Davidson said: “There is more. Without seeking to give offence to you, can I tell you that the last person Scots who support the No campaign want to have as their representative is a Tory toff from the home counties, even one with a fine haircut?”
Mr Cameron replied: “I humbly accept that while I am sure there are many people in Scotland who would like to hear me talk about this issue, my appeal doesn’t stretch to every single part.”
He added: “The calls for this debate show a mounting frustration among those calling for Scotland’s separation from the rest of the UK because they know they are losing the argument.”