Tory MSP Brian Whittle has withdrawn his candidacy for the Scottish Conservative party leadership and said he will support Murdo Fraser.

The MSP for South Scotland chose a social media channel to announce that he is no longer seeking to replace Douglas Ross.

Others in the race are Holyrood colleagues Meghan Gallacher, Jamie Greene, Russell Findlay, and Liam Kerr. Nominations close on 22 August and the winner will be announced on 27 September.

Former Olympic athlete Mr Whittle said: “The question for me and every other member now, is simple. Which of the remaining candidates is best placed to unite the membership behind them, harness their talents, and turn the Scottish Conservatives into a party that meets the needs of its member and, crucially, Scotland’s voters.

“For me, I believe that person is Murdo Fraser. He has recognised the scale of the change that is needed and represent(s) the genuine change of approach that we need to win. I look forward to supporting him as the campaign continues.”

Mr Ross announced he would quit as Scottish Tory leader halfway through the general election campaign as he became embroiled in a row over his bid to return to Westminster.

This prompted a Mr Whittle, Mr Fraser, Mr Kerr and Mr Green to issue a statement raising concerns that Mr Ross had intended for Mr Findlay to succeed him.

At an Edinburgh Fringe event yesterday Mr Ross accused some of his own MSPs were regularly “briefing against him” and that some of their views “strengthened” during his four years in post.

Asked if being Scottish Conservative leader meant being a “calculating bastard”, he said: “I was going to say some of the ones that won’t be leader of the Scottish Tories are calculating bastards.

“But look, all politics is rough and tumble at times. You’ve got to be aware of what you’re getting yourself into. And I think maybe even I was not quite as aware of the full intensity of being a party leader.”