Scottish Conservative Leader Acknowledges Mistake and Implements Changes
Douglas Ross, the MP for Moray and leader of the Scottish Conservatives, has avoided disciplinary action after failing to declare additional earnings while serving as an MP.
The matter arose when Mr Ross did not record his full salary as an MSP or his earnings as a Scottish Football Association referee. Acknowledging the oversight, he referred himself to the Standards Commissioner in November last year.
On Friday, Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards Kathryn Stone concluded that Mr Ross’s omission was not an intentional attempt to mislead the public. She also noted that he had implemented new procedures to ensure such errors would not occur again.
The undeclared earnings amounted to £28,218.57, comprising £6,728.57 from officiating 16 football matches during 2020 and 2021 and £21,490 from his additional salary as an MSP.
Following the ruling, Mr Ross issued a statement accepting responsibility for his actions: “As soon as I realised this mistake, I provided all relevant information to the UK Parliament and reported it to the Standards Commissioner. I have apologised and take full responsibility for this error. I want to reiterate my apology and assure everyone that I have taken steps to prevent such issues in the future.”
He also confirmed that his MSP salary continues to be donated to charity and has been declared on time since November, along with any earnings from his refereeing duties.
The judgment brings an end to the inquiry, with Mr Ross’s swift admission and subsequent actions playing a significant role in the resolution.
