Investigation into Moray MP Douglas Ross over undeclared earnings begins
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
THE investigation into Moray MP Douglas Ross' undeclared earnings got under way today.
The area's Conservative MP, who is also a list MSP, reported himself to Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards, Kathryn Stone, in November after failing to declare £28,218.57 in outside earnings in his register of interests at Westminster.
The money included almost £7000 for working as a football match official and almost £11,000 for working as an MSP for the Highlands and Islands (Mr Ross has donated his fully MSP salary to local charities).
After reporting himself, Mr Ross said failing to declare the cash was a mistake that he was "genuinely sorry" for.
At the time, Moray's SNP MSP Richard Lochhead called for Mr Ross to resign as the area's MP – a call which was refuted.
Ahead of the investigation, Douglas Ross said: “I referred myself to the Standards Commissioner for investigation as soon as I became aware of the issue and I will provide any information needed, and comply with the conclusion they reach.”
Mr Ross is one of nine MPs facing investigation by the standards commissioner, alongside Conservative Commons leader Jacob Rees-Mogg and Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey.
It is anticipated that the investigation will last around a month.
