The SNP’s former Westminster leader has confirmed he will not stand if a snap election is to be called in the coming days.
Angus Robertson, who represented Moray, lost his seat to current incumbent Conservative Douglas Ross two years ago.
Yesterday Mr Robertson, who represented the region for 16 years from 2001, confirmed he was not seeking to return to the House of Commons at this time having become a father in June.
He said: “Now based in Edinburgh and wanting to spend as much time with my baby daughter, the timing is not right for me or my family.
“I’m hugely honoured to have represented Moray for four terms and the best part of two decades and am appreciative for all the support and encouragement I have had.”
Instead, Mr Robertson has backed Laura Mitchell, who works for Moray MSP Richard Lochhead, to get the SNP nomination to try and win the seat back for the party if a snap election is called.
He added: “She has huge experience of the issues that matter to people in Moray and will do everything she can to protect jobs and the economy from a damaging no-deal Brexit.”
Miss Mitchell grew up in Keith and was a Highlands and Islands candidate for the SNP in the 2016 Scottish election.
She said: “As Moray’s MP I will roll up my sleeves and dedicate myself to working hard on behalf of all people who live here – being an MP is a full time job, no ifs no buts.”
Nominations remain open among SNP members in Moray ahead of the possible election.
