Amid mounting speculation over his Westminster seat, Angus Robertson was singled out for praise by the First Minister before yesterday’s SNP manifesto launch.
Nicola Sturgeon has dismissed Tory claims that the Moray constituency, which Angus Robertson has held since 2001, is winnable.
Visiting Lossiemouth on Monday, she said it was “no surprise” the Conservatives had targeted Mr Robertson given his performances debating Theresa May in the House of Commons.
The Conservatives have highlighted Moray’s 49.9% vote for Brexit and Tory dominance at this month’s council elections as proof of a “changing of the tide”.
However, Mr Robertson responded the Tories’ “arrogance” could backfire on them and cost local candidate Douglas Ross votes.
He said: “I think the overblown, arrogant claims by the Tories is not something that voters in Moray warm to.
“A lot of people who never supported the Tories are now definitely going to take part in the election to make sure they don’t win, whereas previously there was a risk of complacency given the SNP’s track record of success.”
Last night, Mr Ross replied: “I am in no doubt I am the underdog in this, but people are fed up of the SNP taking Moray for granted and being more interested in the central belt.
“If anyone is being arrogant it’s the SNP, who assume people in Moray will always support them.
“I’m not taking anything for granted and will be working hard for the remainder of the campaign to explain the positives of having me as their local MP.”
