West of Scotland Conservative MSP Jamie Greene has admitted he was "disappointed" after losing his front bench role over his support for trans rights.

As revealed last week, Mr Greene was replaced as Conservative justice spokesman at Holyrood by Russell Findlay in a reshuffle.

In an interview with BBC Radio Scotland's The Sunday Show, Mr Greene was asked whether he was being punished for his stance on gender reform.

He said: "It's hard to take it any other way, to be honest."

He added: "That's what members of the press and journalists were being told.

"So I have to assume that is the case - and I find that disappointing."

The Scottish government's proposed reforms would make it easier to legally change gender without going through a medical process.

The bill was passed by MSPs in December, but was blocked over the potential impact on UK-wide equality laws.

Conservative MSPs were given a free vote on the Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill, but most of the party voted against it.

Mr Greene, Sandesh Gulhane and Jackson Carlaw were the only Tory MSPs to support the legislation, which ended up being blocked by the UK government.

In a statement issued on Friday, Mr Greene said he took "pride" in standing up for his principles by backing the proposals - which were later blocked by the UK Government, forcing a court battle.

Mr Greene, who has represented the West Scotland region since 2016, said: "Free thinking and standing up for your principles are qualities that I take pride in - and pride is something to celebrate, not hide away."

The list MSP, who stood as Conservative candidate for the North Ayrshire and Arran Westminster seat in 2015 and twice for the Holyrood constituency of Cunninghame North, issued his statement after the recent announcement.

He said: "It has been an honour to serve as shadow justice secretary and lead on a number of bills going through the Scottish Parliament.

"I am disappointed to lose that role, in particular fighting for the rights of victims in our justice system. I am always amazed by the resilience of people who have suffered unimaginable trauma and I am proud to have given them a voice.

"I believe it is vital to the good health of our politics that even in the midst of bitter division and dissent, politicians find a path to consensus where possible and respectful disagreement where it is not.

"In the real world, people don't agree about everything all of the time, nor should they be expected to do so in politics.

"I will continue to represent my West of Scotland constituents on the many issues that matter to them.

"I wish the new front bench well."