Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross has announced he will step down after the general election and, if elected to Westminster, will also resign as an MSP.
The announcement follows controversy over his decision to displace Aberdeenshire North and Moray East constituency candidate David Duguid, as well as ongoing claims regarding his travel expenses, which he denies.
In a statement, Mr. Ross said: “I have served as MP, MSP, and Leader for over three years now and believed I could continue to do so if re-elected to Westminster, but on reflection, that is not feasible.
“I am committed to fighting and winning the Aberdeenshire North and Moray East constituency. Should I be given the honour to represent the people and communities of this new seat, they should know being their MP would receive my complete focus and attention.
“I will therefore stand down as Leader following the election on July 4th, once a successor is elected. Should I win the seat, I will also stand down as an MSP to make way for another Scottish Conservative representative in Holyrood.
“My party has a chance to beat the SNP in key seats up and down Scotland, including in Aberdeenshire North and Moray East. We must now come together and fully focus on doing exactly that.”
Scottish Labour Deputy Leader Jackie Baillie commented, “I wish Douglas Ross the best of luck in the future. It’s clear that this divided and chaotic Tory party is out of time and out of ideas. Voters know that this rotten Tory government has nothing to offer Scotland – it’s no wonder Douglas Ross has given up on trying to resuscitate the Scottish Tories’ flailing campaign.”
SNP candidate for Aberdeenshire North and Moray East Seamus Logan stated, “Douglas Ross must resign as an MSP today. It’s clear he’s been forced out as Scottish Tory leader after his shameful behaviour over David Duguid and his growing expenses scandal. Voters deserve a dedicated MSP – not one who is hedging his bets in case he loses the election.”
Former First Minister and Alba Party leader Alex Salmond added, “This is the first case of a rat deserting a sinking ship while simultaneously trying to clamber aboard a gravy train. Douglas Ross needs to resign as candidate for Aberdeenshire North and Moray East where he stabbed David Duguid in the back. Ross is totally devoid of honour.” Photo by Scottish Parliament, Wikimedia commons.