SIX out of the seven local Conservative councillors are backing Boris Johnston to be the next Prime Minister. Following last Friday's hustings in Scotland, Largs' Tom Marshall told the News that he believes the former Mayor of London is the ideal candidate to take over in Downing Street.

West of Scotland Conservative regional MSP Jamie Greene said he was backing Jeremy Hunt last week.

He said: "We need somebody who will be able to negotiate and stand up to the European Commission and try and get a good deal going forward."

The frontrunner to become the UK’s next prime minister recently revealed plans to establish a series of freeports around the country, which can be used to store valuable works of art, cars and jewellery without incurring customs or sales tax.

Johnson’s vision involves turning parts of the UK into Singapore-style tax-free zones.

It has sparked controversy, but Cllr. Marshall said: "These are the kind of ideas that could boost trade.

"He was also talking about building a bridge between Scotland and Ireland, if they can do it between Denmark and Sweden, and in Japan, why not?

"Boris is Boris - we are looking for someone who can get the job done.

"The North Ayrshire Conservatives are, in the main, quite happy that he is the right man for the job."