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Moray MP Douglas Ross says he's ready for the challenge of leading the Scottish Tory party


By Alistair Whitfield

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Douglas Ross says he's realistic about the challenges ahead – but optimistic that Moray and Scotland can meet them.

Douglas Ross interviewed by the national media in Grant Park, Forres. Picture: Daniel Forsyth.
Douglas Ross interviewed by the national media in Grant Park, Forres. Picture: Daniel Forsyth.

The 37-year-old has promised to bring energy and enthusiasm to his new role as leader of the Scottish Conservatives.

Moray's MP was appointed on Wednesday without a contest, following the surprise resignation of previous leader Jackson Carlaw.

"I got the phone call just after noon to confirm that nobody else from the party had thrown their hat into the ring," he told The Northern Scot.

"I suppose that phone call has changed my life. It's a great honour for someone who grew up in Burgie, the son of a farm worker and a dinner lady.

"In fact, it's a lot to take in, but I'm ready for it.

"Scotland faces a lot of challenges.

"There's education, the NHS and the need to rebuild our economy.

"However, there are great opportunities as well."

Soon after the news was announced Moray's MSP Richard Lochhead issued a statement congratulating Mr Ross on his appointment.

However, the SNP politician went on to predict that leading the Scottish Conservatives would prove difficult.

Mr Lochhead wrote: "He will find that his latest job of lifting the unpopular Tories out of the doldrums and being Boris Johnson’s henchman in Scotland and Moray is going to be a tough gig."

Asked how he felt about this, Mr Ross said: "He's right. It will be a tough gig. We are only nine months away from another election.

"I have to act – and I have to act quickly.

"But I'm a fresh face and I have enthusiasm and energy."

Douglas Ross is accompanied by wife Krystle and son Alistair. ..Moray MP Douglas Ross has been appointed Scottish Conservative leader...Picture: Daniel Forsyth..
Douglas Ross is accompanied by wife Krystle and son Alistair. ..Moray MP Douglas Ross has been appointed Scottish Conservative leader...Picture: Daniel Forsyth..

During the course of this next month he intends to issue a paper outlining what needs to be done to help the country's economy.

He said: "We have worked together to save lives.

"Now we've got to continue to work together to save livelihoods.

"I'm the number one supporter of maintaining Scotland's integral place in the union.

"I believe the 2014 referendum was a once in a generation vote.

"We need to get away from the constant constitutional wrangling."

Mr Ross also promised to steer his own course.

Referring to his decision in May to resign as a minister over the Dominic Cummings affair, he said: "I think I've shown I'm my own man.

"The Prime Minister called me in person and asked me not to resign, but I thought it was the right thing to do.

"It was an easy decision to make."

Asked about the increasing amount of personal abuse that politicians of all shades receive on social media these days, he said: "I'm afraid it's how things are in Scottish politics at the moment. There's a lot of division.

"But the people who type nasty things never dare say them to your face.

"So you have to look beyond it.

"Fortunately, there's a whole world outside of Twitter and Facebook."

Douglas Ross...Moray MP Douglas Ross has been appointed Scottish Conservative leader...Picture: Daniel Forsyth..
Douglas Ross...Moray MP Douglas Ross has been appointed Scottish Conservative leader...Picture: Daniel Forsyth..

The Moray Conservative and Unionist Association reacted very favourably to the news.

Chairman Neil McLeod said: "I cannot express how delighted I am.

"Douglas has been a true champion for Moray starting as a councillor before becoming an MSP and then an MP.

"His knowledge and experience will enable the party to move forward with great strength.

"It is a real privilege for us as local members to see Douglas rise to this position.

"I know that all of our members will join with me in offering him our full support and help as we fight to protect the union and bring about a positive change for Scotland."

Tim Eagle, who's a ward councillor for Buckie on Moray Council, will be the Tory candidate for Moray in the Scottish elections in 2021.

He said: "I have always been impressed by Douglas Ross.

"His ability to communicate with people and his shear determination to fight for his constituents is impressive.

"The very reason I am involved in the party is thanks to Douglas.

"I am delighted to see him elected as leader and I can think no better boss to have as I look to secure the Moray seat in the Holyrood election next year.

"Douglas has a clear vision for Scotland. That's an end to divisive politics and a real onus on supporting our economy, our NHS and making our education system the pride of the world it once was.

"I look forward to working closely with him as the campaign progresses."

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