Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross confirms decision to stand in election
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SCOTTISH Conservative leader Douglas Ross has confirmed his intention to seek the party’s nomination for the Aberdeenshire North and Moray East seat.
At an emergency press conference this morning, Mr Ross said that he did not “expect” to be making the announcement with David Duguid set to stand in the newly created constituency.
Mr Duguid, who is currently unwell, had been the MP for Banff and Buchan since 2017.
But the party management board concluded that he could not proceed as the Conservative candidate for the seat and Mr Ross will now apply for the party’s nomination this evening (June 6).
It is understood that the decision was made on health grounds.
Mr Ross said: “Unfortunately, and with real regret, the party management board concluded that David could not proceed as our candidate for the new seat of Aberdeenshire North and Moray East and I want to personally thank David for his significant contribution and the contribution I hope he will continue to make with the Scottish Conservatives.
“Going forward, however, we need a candidate to fight this seat at short notice.”
He added: “I've spoken with my wife, my family, colleagues and local members.
“After boundary changes, this new seat includes parts of my former Moray constituency and indeed some of the council ward I was first elected to serve back in 2009.
“This constituency will be very competitive, very hard fought contest and a close contest between the Scottish Conservatives and the SNP.
“And I have decided I need to lead from the front.”
Mr Ross was meant to be standing down from Westminster at this election to concentrate on his role as an MSP ahead of the Holyrood election in 2026.
But he now says he is “absolutely committed” to continuing in his role as an MP, if he wins the seat, alongside his role as and MSP having juggled those roles over the past three years.
