Douglas Ross confirms he will stand for leader of Scottish Conservatives following shock Jackson Carlaw resignation

Scottish Conservative MP Douglas Ross has confirmed he will stand for leader of the Scottish Conservatives.

His announcement follows the sudden resignation of Jackson Carlaw on Thursday after less than six months in the post.

If successful, Mr Ross, who represents Moray at Westminster, will seek election as an MSP at the next Holyrood elections in May.

He said former Scottish Conservative leader and Edinburgh Central MSP Ruth Davidson has agreed to lead First Minister's Questions in the interim.

Ross said: “This is a crucial time in Scottish politics. We are months away from an important election, and need strong, decisive leadership of our party to take on and defeat the SNP in seats right across the country.

“My message to voters across Scotland will be this: if you want to build a better Scotland, if you want to beat the SNP, and if you want to put the divisions of the past few years behind us, the party I plan to lead is one you can unite behind, and one that can win.

“I want us to show clearly to everyone in Scotland, no matter where they live or who they are, that if they want to move on from the divisions of the past and focus on the issues that really matter; a strong economy, good schools, safe streets and a world-leading NHS then the Scottish Conservatives will be their voice.

“Scotland is an integral part of the United Kingdom and that’s a relationship I want to maintain and improve. Under my leadership, this will be an absolute priority.”

More to follow…

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