Scots Tory leader Douglas Ross has only been in the party's top job for two years but already senior colleagues are plotting to dump him.
His flip-flopping over Boris Johnson’s future as PM and an embarrassing U-turn over successor Liz Truss’ tax cut plan have made him a lame duck in the eyes of his critics.
Poor relations with some MSP colleagues are also fuelling speculation he may not be in post for much longer.
He stoked the rumours himself at the Tory conference in Birmingham by saying he would raise a toast if he remained leader by Hogmanay.
With Ross on the ropes, the Record can reveal the MSPs in the male-dominated Tory group tipped as potential contenders for one of the worst jobs in Scottish politics.
As one senior Tory put it: "If you think Douglas is bad, the alternatives are even worse."
Stephen Kerr
An ally of Ross, the Central Scotland MSP is seen by activists as an old-school bruiser who takes the fight to the SNP.
But sceptics believe he would have limited appeal beyond the Tory core vote and struggle to increase Conservative support.
Even if he sees himself as the future, others may view him as a throwback to the past.
Sandesh Gulhane
First elected in 2021, the Glasgow MSP does not have the baggage of some of his more grizzled colleagues.
As a GP, he has also impressed in the health brief and is seen as one of the best shadow cabinet performers.
However, it is not entirely clear what Gulhane believes in.
He is also said to enjoy the sound of his own voice, although having an ego is considered a must in front-line politics.
Murdo Fraser
The Mid Scotland and Fife MSP is a formidable Holyrood debater who is renowned for winding up opponents on Twitter.
But he was badly bruised by his defeat to Ruth Davidson in the 2011 leadership contest, during which he promised to abolish the Scottish Tories and start again.
A growing number of senior figures believe Fraser’s analysis was correct, but it does not follow he wants to go for the top job again.
His social conservatism may also jar with an increasingly socially liberal party.
Meghan Gallacher
Another newbie from the 2021 intake, the Central Scotland MSP is considered a rising star and is currently deputy leader.
She has expressed concern about the treatment of women during the debate on reforming the Gender Recognition Act and has made robust criticisms of the Scottish Government.
One insider said she has her critics as deputy leader and played down her chances of being the next leader.
Jamie Greene
Probably the Scottish Tories’ most improved MSP.
He is good on his feet and would be a contrast to the slash-and-burn politics of the Truss/Kwarteng Government.
The West of Scotland MSP also made a moving speech earlier this year after the tragic death of one of his staff members.
One senior Tory was more sniffy about his abilities: “All froth no beer.”
Russell Findlay
Quite how an investigative journalist who worked on the left-leaning Sunday Mail ended up as a Tory MSP remains a mystery.
But Findlay has impressed at Holyrood. He has spoken passionately about his awful first-hand experience of the justice system after he was the victim of an acid attack on his doorstep.
Some may question his true-blue credentials - but at a time when the Tories are considered out of touch with voters this may not be a bad thing. One to watch.
Maurice Golden
The North East MSP was left out of Ross’ top team - an omission that raised eyebrows.
Golden is seen as a liberal, moderate Tory with interventionist instincts in the mould of Davidson.
He was also quick to criticise the Truss Government’s tax cut plan and could be seen as a clean pair of hands.
