Moray MP Douglas Ross appointed leader of Scottish Tories
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Douglas Ross has been confirmed as the new leader of the Scottish Conservatives after the sudden resignation last week of Jackson Carlaw.
The Moray MP takes the post after no other contenders came forward before the deadline of noon today.
Ruth Davidson, the former Tory leader, will represent Mr Ross at Holyrood until the Scottish parliament is dissolved next March prior to elections in May.
MSP Jamie Halcro Johnston, whose Highlands and Islands ward includes Moray, said: "My fullest congratulations to Douglas on his election. It is great news for both the party and our region.
"Douglas has our party right behind him, with huge support amongst MSPs, MPs, councillors, our members and supporters.
"They are really excited about what his leadership offers.
"It is also great to see Ruth Davidson taking a more prominent role again.
"Too often the feeling has been that the Scottish Parliament is dominated by Central Belt politicians who simply don’t understand the particular issues and challenges we face up here.
"Practical measures will be required across the Highlands and Islands where we are facing huge economic challenges because of coronavirus and are already seeing real pressure on businesses and jobs.
"That it why it is so encouraging that Douglas has made a plan for jobs his priority for the first month of his leadership, in stark contrast to the SNP’s endless obsession with yet more constitutional upheaval."
More to follow later today.
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