Michael Gove's comments about Elgin show "complete contempt" for people in Moray, says SNP MSP Richard Lochhead
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
MICHAEL Gove's disparaging comments about Elgin show the UK Conservative Party's "complete contempt" for Moray.
That's the view of the area's SNP MSP Richard Lochhead, who has slammed Tory MP Gove – born in Aberdeen – after comments made about the town in relation to a question regarding MP Douglas Ross.
Yesterday, Mr Gove was asked about Douglas Ross' calls for the resignation of Boris Johnson. He said: "My instant response is he's in Elgin and the national Tory leader is in London."
Mr Ross does not live in Elgin and his constituency office is located in Forres.
Richard Lochhead said the comment highlights one of the main reasons behind a growth in support for Scottish independence.
"Michael Gove’s comments show complete contempt for people in Moray and do nothing more than expose what the UK Tories really think of people who live and work here," he said.
“It’s astonishing to see the UK Government Secretary of State for Levelling Up looking down his nose at Scottish communities.
"If this is the attitude of a man at the centre of the UK Government’s campaign to save the union, it is little wonder that support for independence is growing.
“As someone who is proud to live in Elgin, I know that our community is not only a place of incredible heritage and home to many global brands, it’s also a place full of decent, principled people who will be disgusted at the behaviour of the Tory Prime Minister."
On top of Mr Gove's comments, Douglas Ross was described as "not an important figure" and "lightweight" by fellow Tory MP Jacob Rees-Mogg.
Mr Ross didn't respond to Mr Gove's comments, instead focusing on Richard Lochhead – who he accused of playing politics.
“Once again Richard Lochhead is trying to score political points rather than stand up for the area," he said.
"I'll always speak my mind even if that means disagreeing with the Prime Minister, I just wish Richard Lochhead would challenge his own party's leadership in the same way.
"Moray is being treated with contempt by the SNP. We never hear from Richard Lochhead about standing up to his own party's leadership, but he's always got plenty to say when he thinks there's some political point scoring to be done."
