By Steve Bargeton, political editor

SCOTTISH TORY leader David McLetchie was forced to come to the defence of one of his MSPs yesterday after he came under attack—from a Tory councillor.

In an extraordinary spat the leader of Fife Council’s Conservative group, Councillor Stuart Randall, called for Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Ted Brocklebank (pictured) to be sacked as the party’s fisheries spokesman.

Mr Randall accused Mr Brocklebank of being a “loose cannon” and showing “no loyalty” to fellow Tories.

He said the MSP is out of line with party policy on issues including fisheries, wind farms, bridge tolls and jobs at Rosyth.

“He thinks you can tell people one thing to their face while your party policy says exactly the opposite,” said Mr Randall.

“Well, that may be OK for parties like the Liberals, but I believe Conservatives should be honest with people. We have just fought an election where we promised to be straight with voters and we meant it, and Ted should, too.

“Ted has been a loose cannon since the moment he was elected in May 2003,” said Mr Randall.

“I think a spell without a portfolio would give Ted time to work out whether he’s part of the Conservative team in Scotland and Fife or whether he wants to be an independent.

“He can’t have it both ways. He’d be the first to complain if I, or anyone else, contradicted him every time he spoke out on fisheries, so we are entitled to loyalty in return.”

Mr Brocklebank said he did not recognise Mr Randall’s version of Tory policies.

“The only comment I have on Councillor Randall’s extraordinary press release is that I recognise few of the comments he attributes to me, nor do I recognise his version of Conservative policies,” he said.

“I agree with Councillor Randall that Conservatives in Scotland should be a disciplined team.

“What a pity he has ignored his own advice.”

Last night a spokesman for Mr McLetchie said he has “full confidence” in Mr Brocklebank as the party’s Scottish fisheries spokesman.