Scotland is in decline because of SNP’s independence obsession, says Gove

Michael Gove’s speech came as polling evidence emerged about the significant electoral challenge the Scottish Tories face at the general election. Photograph: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty

Michael Gove has accused the Scottish National party government of running down Scotland because of its “devastating” obsession with independence, as he tried to rally Conservative activists in Aberdeen.

Gove, an Aberdonian who is now the most prominent Scot in the UK government, said Scotland’s institutions had been neglected by the SNP because it had focused so heavily on the constitution at the expense of public services.