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Moray MP Douglas Ross 'honoured' to be named as new leader of Scottish Conservatives

Douglas Ross has been named the new leader of the Scottish Conservatives: PA
Douglas Ross has been named the new leader of the Scottish Conservatives: PA

Douglas Ross has been named as the new leader of the Scottish Conservatives after another candidate failed to materialise.

The Moray MP said it was the "privilege of a lifetime" to be become the next leader of the Scottish Conservatives.

Mr Ross will take over from Jackson Carlaw after his resignation on Thursday, just six months after his election as leader.

He is expected to seek a seat in Holyrood at next year’s election, although he has not said where he would stand.

"Becoming the leader of the Scottish Conservatives today is the honour and privilege of a lifetime," said Mr Ross on Twitter.

"My focus now is on earning the support and trust of people across Scotland who are looking for a positive and credible alternative in Scotland, and who want a fresh start for our country."

Previously an MSP between 2016 and 2017, Mr Ross represented the Highlands and Islands region before beating SNP depute leader Angus Robertson for the Moray seat at Westminster.

Former leader Ruth Davidson has been asked to represent the party at First Minister’s Questions.

Ms Davidson has said she will step down from Holyrood next year and is expected to take a seat in the House of Lords.

In the first 30 days of his leadership, Mr Ross has said he will publish an economic plan for Scotland, effectively launching the Conservatives campaign for 2021.

He also said he would like more powers to be given to local authorities to combat what he said has been a “power grab” from the Scottish Government.

Writing in the Scottish Daily Mail on Monday, Mr Ross and Ms Davidson announced they were launching a “joint ticket”, saying they “want to take on the SNP and take Scotland forward”.

Mr Ross garnered support from across the party, including from Ms Davidson and Mr Carlaw.

Former Scottish Secretary David Mundell and current depute leaders Annie Wells and Liam Kerr were among others to support Mr Ross after he announced his candidacy on Friday.

Appointed a Scotland Office minister in December, Mr Ross resigned from the position in May over senior adviser Dominic Cummings’ controversial journey between London and Durham during lockdown.

Additional reporting by PA Media.

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