Rishi Sunak has claimed that Nicola Sturgeon's plan to hold a second referendum on independence next year is the "wrong priority at the worst possible moment".
The former chancellor is trying to win votes among Scottish Conservative party members in the race to succeed Boris Johnson but faces a strong challenge from rival Liz Truss.
Both candidates to enter Downing Street have spoken out against an IndyRef2 despite the Scottish Government insisting it has a clear mandate following last year's Holyrood election.
