THE SNP have issued a statement following the resignation of Douglas Ross as Scottish Tory leader.
It was announced on Monday morning that Ross would stand down as the leader of his party after the General Election.
He will also resign as an MSP should he win the Aberdeenshire North and Moray East seat at Westminster.
Commenting on the news, the SNP’s candidate in Aberdeenshire North and Moray East Seamus Logan said: “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.
“On July 4, voters in Aberdeenshire North and Moray East can show Douglas Ross the door for good by voting SNP to put Scotland’s interests first.”
The news comes after First Minister John Swinney said Douglas Ross has “serious” questions to answer on whether he used Westminster expenses to travel for his job as a football linesman.
Reports in the Sunday Mail claimed the Scottish Tory leader’s advisers flagged concerns over 28 parliamentary travel claims which may have been combined with his work as a linesman.
Ross (below) has said that all his expenses were claimed within the rules.
Writing on Twitter/X meanwhile, Stephen Flynn said: "Tories in turmoil. And let's not forget why we are here.
"David Duguid was deselected as a candidate (simply for being ill) just to allow Douglas Ross to stand to be an MP. An awful act.
"It's now for the people of Aberdeenshire North and Moray East to conclude this sorry tale."
In Ross's statement released on Monday morning, the MSP 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 4, 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 at 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.”
