The Scottish Green Party has been accused of trying to “prop up” the SNP vote at next month’s general election by not fielding a candidate in Moray.
Local Greens convener, James Mackessack-Leitch, fought the Westminster election in 2015 on behalf of the party.
But yesterday, he said that he was taking a stand against next month’s UK Government vote – by not standing.
He claimed the snap election announced last month had been arranged “for naked party political purposes”.
Mr Mackessack-Leitch said: “At any normal election, we would be proud to field a candidate, but this is no normal election.
“This election has been called for naked party political purposes as the Tories attempt to crush Labour in England and Wales.
“This immature behaviour has no relevance in Moray, let alone Scotland, and will only increase voter apathy and anger at the way politics is conducted in this country.”
He added that the party would not endorse any candidates.
But Tory hopeful, Douglas Ross, responded the Greens’ stance was “an attempt to bolster the SNP vote”.
He said: “This decision by the Moray Greens smacks of desperation; they will do anything to prop up the SNP and hang on to their shirt tails.
“People will find it hard to believe them when they say they won’t be backing any particular candidate.
“When it comes down to it, they will be backing the SNP all the way as we see time and again in parliament.”
Mr Ross accused the Moray Greens of giving in to a request from the SNP MP Tommy Sheppard not to stand in Tory “target seats” – such as Moray.
Last night, Mr Mackessack-Leitch said he “wasn’t interested” in Mr Ross’s opinions.
He added: “He clearly has no interest in winning over green-minded voters with his petty tirade – and has instead successfully highlighted the sort of behaviour that many find off-putting.”
Moray MP, Angus Robertson, welcomed the Greens’ announcement, saying: “This outlines the election as a two horse race between the SNP and the Tories.
“We will try hard to win the trust of Green voters, because it is a straight choice between me and the Tories.”
Labour candidate, Jo Kirby, announced that she would stand in the June 8 election last week.
