Allies of the Scots Tory leader Ruth Davidson fear a boost for the independence campaign if Boris Johnson becomes prime minister

The prospect of Boris Johnson as prime minister is fuelling public support for Scottish independence, according to a poll that suggests the majority of Scots would vote to leave the UK in a referendum if he enters Downing Street.

A Panelbase survey of 1,024 voters, conducted last week, points to a six-point lead for the “yes” campaign if Johnson replaces Theresa May — confirming the worst fears of allies of the Scots Tory leader, Ruth Davidson.

Today’s poll suggests that Johnson, with a personal approval rating in Scotland of minus 37, is even less popular north of the border than Nigel Farage, the Brexit Party leader, who shares an approval rating of minus 24 with Jeremy Hunt.

In recent days, the SNP leadership has