Douglas Ross wants both Jobs.

Douglas Ross, The new conservative MSP for the Highlands & Islands region has been commenting about the recent Election results in Moray and his wish to remain Councillor for the Fochabers-Lhanbryde area of Moray.

Douglas said:

"Moray has always been a two-horse race between the Conservatives and the SNP and I was confident from the response we were getting during the election that we could see an increase in our vote.

"Given we were 11000 votes behind the SNP we had a real mountain to climb so to almost double our vote in five years and take the majority down to 2,800 was a great achievement and I'm grateful to all the support I received from people throughout the constituency.

"There were many issues which led to this result. Many parts of Moray are concerned about the centralisation of the SNP, our farmers have still not seen the CAP payments they are due from the Scottish Government and there was clearly a desire to see Ruth Davidson lead the opposition in Holyrood.

"As a result of our votes in Moray and across the wider Highlands and Islands region I have been elected as one of the areas regional MSPs. This means I represent constituencies from Shetland to Argyll and from the Western Isles to Moray.

"I have taken the decision to continue as a councillor on Moray Council until the local government elections next May. As soon as I was elected I contacted the council advising that I would no longer accept a salary for my role. I felt holding a by-election less than a year before the full Moray Council was up for re-election was not the best use of anyone's time.

"Not triggering a by-election and not drawing a salary will save the council a significant amount of money and I feel I can still ably represent the people of Fochabers-Lhanbryde as both their councillor and MSP.

"Our excellent result in Moray was replicated across the country as the Scottish Conservatives increased our MSPs from 15 to 31, largely down to the fantastic campaign led by Rurh Davidson. We are now the official opposition in Scotland and I look forward to working with Ruth, holding the SNP government to account and providing a strong local voice for our area in the Parliament."

Many people have sent e-mails to Around Moray regarding this announcement from Mr Ross.

John from Keith Said:

"Why is Mr Ross saying he would be saving Moray council money if he stays on as councillor" Did he not think he was going to win a seat in Hollyrood? He alone put the prospect of a By-Election on the cards."

Robert from Lhanbryde Said:

"If you stand for Holyrood you cant remain as councillor ,you decided to walk away from the council, nobody forced you to stand for Holyrood Mr Ross."

Jayne from Fochabers Said:

"Im glad Mr Ross has decided to stay as a Moray councillor and represent my area,I voted Conservative so I now feel I'm well represented in my local area."

Andrew from Forres Said:

"I think its probably the case of fearing the inevitable loss of a Tory Seat on the council if a By-Election was held, that's the only reason why Mr Ross would want to remain in his post as councillor." Nobody can properly do a job for their local area when also representing the whole of the Highlands & Islands."