Moray MP Douglas Ross resigns from government over Dominic Cummings row
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MORAY'S conservative MP and junior minister Douglas Ross has resigned from the UK government over the Dominic Cummings's trip to Durham.
Mr Ross had held the role of under secretary of state for Scotland in the Scottish Office since his re-election as Moray's MP in December.
However, in a letter posted on Twitter this morning, Mr Ross explained his decision to resign. He said the "the majority of people" disagreed with what Mr Cummings did.
He wrote: "I have just tendered my resignation from the UK government and my position as under secretary of state for Scotland.
"I was honoured to be asked by the Prime Minister to join his government and take on this role in the Scotland Office.
"It is a position I have relished and one I have committed to wholeheartedly since my appointment. There is much I still hoped to do in this role but events over the last few days mean I can no longer serve as a member of this government."
Mr Ross said the decision was not an easy one to make – and he looks forward to continuing to serve the people of Moray from the backbenches at Westminster.
He added: "I have never met Dominic Cummings so my judgment on this matter has always been open and I accept his statement on Monday afternoon clarified the actions he took in what he felt were the best interests of his family. However, these were decisions many others felt were not available to them.
"As a father myself, my instinct is always to do what is best for my son and wife. We have been fortunate not to have caught this awful virus but if we did, we are prepared to follow the government advice and stay home.
"While the intentions may have been well meaning, the reaction to this news shows that Mr Cummings interpretation of the government advice was not shared by the vast majority of people who have done as the government asked.
"I have constituents who didn't get to say goodbye to loved ones; families who could not mourn together; people who didn't visit sick relatives because they followed the guidance of the government. I cannot in good faith tell them they were all wrong and one senior advisor to the government was right.
"This is not a decision I have reached quickly. I have waited to hear all of the information and thought long and hard.
"While it has been a great privilege to serve as a minister, my first duty is to be a representative and I feel I can best represent my Moray constituents and many across the country who have expressed their feelings by resigning as a minister.
"I look forward to continuing to stand up for the people of Moray from the back benches."
Douglas statement can be read in full below.
