Moray MP Douglas Ross confirms Scottish Tories leadership bid
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Moray's MP Douglas Ross has made public his intention to stand for the leadership of the Scottish Conservatives.
Mr Ross becomes the first candidate to put his name forward for the post after the previous leader, Jackson Carlaw MSP, announced his resignation yesterday.
If he becomes the leader he will stand for election as an MSP at the Holyrood elections in May next year.
In the meantime, Ruth Davidson has agreed to stand in for him at First Ministers Questions.
Announcing his leadership bid, Mr 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.
He added: "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."
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