Kemi Badenoch called for the windfall tax on North Sea oil and gas to be scrapped today as she tried to boost the Tories in Scotland.
The Conservative leader vowed to 'stand up' for the industry - saying it might not exist in a few years unless the levy is removed.
The intervention came as Ms Badenoch addressed the Scottish Tories' conference in Edinburgh - urging them to counter Reform's surge.
The Windfall Tax on profits was originally introduced by the Conservatives amid soaring prices.
But Ms Badenoch said it now needs to go. 'Frankly if it is allowed to remain in place until 2030, as is Labour's current plan, there will be no industry left to tax,' she said.
