Former Conservative MP David Duguid outlines he is fit to stand in General Election after being replaced by Douglas Ross
Former Banff and Buchan MP David Duguid has provided an update on the process that saw him be ruled out from being the Conservative candidate for the Aberdeenshire North and Moray East seat in the upcoming General Election.
Mr Duguid was told last night that he would no longer be the candidate by the party.
Douglas Ross then announced during a press conference this morning that he would be replacing him.
It was understood the decision was made on health grounds but Mr Duguid has now stated that he is able to stand.
Mr Duguid said in a social media post: “I want to express my sincere thanks to everyone who sent me messages of support after the news I shared last night about my not being put forward as the Scottish Conservative and Unionist candidate for Aberdeenshire North and Moray East.
“I must however clear up a factual inaccuracy. It has been reported and repeated that I am “unable to stand”. This is simply incorrect.
“Having been adopted by local members, I was very much looking forward to campaigning - albeit in a different format from normal. It was not my decision not to stand.
“It was the SCU Management Board that decided not to allow me to be the candidate although none of them had visited me.
“They apparently took this decision based on two visits from the Party Director and without receiving any professional medical prognosis.
“Needless to say I am very saddened by the way this whole episode has unfolded and it would be wrong of me to pretend otherwise.
“But the process to adopt Douglas Ross to replace me as the candidate for Aberdeenshire North and Moray East is now well underway.
“For my part I would just like to say that it really has been an honour and privilege to serve you for the last seven years.”
