Gove backs Ross bid for Moray seat
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DOUGLAS Ross's bid to turn the Moray Westmintser seat Tory blue for the first time in 30 years attracted support from a former senior cabinet minister.
Joining the Highlands and Islands MSP and former Fochabers-Lhanbryde councillor on the stump in Buckie on Monday, May 29 was Michael Gove.
Mr Gove, whose previous governmental responsibilities have included Secretary of State or Education and Justice, was on a whistlestop tour of the north-east as the campaign headed towards its final week.
He told the Advertiser he was left greatly encouraged by Mr Ross's assault on the seat held by the SNP's deputy leader Angus Robertson since 2001.
"Speaking to people in the street and on the doorstep, Douglas is getting the sort of reaction you'd expect from someone who has already been an MP for five years," he said.
"A lot of people don't want Indyref 2 and voting Conservative is the only way they can send a clear message to the SNP.
"There are many in Moray who voted Leave in the EU referedum and their views have not been respected by the SNP. There are those who voted Remain and now want to just get on with things and with Theresa May as prime minister we have someone who is unambiguously the best negotiator for the UK's interests.
"By voting for Douglas people will have a strong voice for Moray who will have access to the heart of government rather than someone shouting from the sidelines."
Mr Ross added: "In a snap poll like this it's essential to have a well-recognised candidate and I think my 10 years as a councillor and one year as an MSP have demonstrated to people that I get things done when approached."
Joining Mr Ross and Mr Robertson in contesting the Moray seat are Anne Glen (Independent), Jo Kirby (Labour) and Alex Linklater (Lib Dems).
