Douglas Ross, the outgoing Scottish Conservative leader, has candidly admitted that he knows he is "not everyone's cup of tea" as he prepares to step down from Holyrood. The politician, who has faced down three First Ministers during his tenure, revealed his reflections in a frank interview ahead of his departure from the Scottish Parliament.
Political Relationships and 'Rage' Beneath the Surface
Mr Ross, who is standing down as an MSP to pursue a Westminster career, acknowledged that his confrontational style has often "got under the skin" of political opponents. He suggested that many were "probably punching the air" when he announced his decision to leave Holyrood, a move he had contemplated for three months before making it public.
The Highlands and Islands MSP reflected on his relationships with successive SNP First Ministers, stating unequivocally: "I didn't have a good relationship with any of them." He described Nicola Sturgeon as someone with whom he had "no personal relationship at all," noting that she would speak to other opposition leaders while ignoring him. When asked if he could ever be friends with Ms Sturgeon, Mr Ross responded instantly: "No, we've got nothing in common."
John Swinney's 'Bank Manager Image'
Regarding current First Minister John Swinney, Mr Ross offered a particularly pointed assessment. While acknowledging some friendly interactions about rural Scotland, the Tory leader suggested this cordiality wouldn't last. "You could see, at times, there's a bit of rage under that kind of serious bank manager image that he quite likes," Mr Ross claimed, painting a picture of simmering frustration beneath Mr Swinney's typically measured exterior.
Mr Ross recalled that Mr Swinney had approached him immediately after being elected First Minister to shake hands, describing this as part of an effort to "be as consensual as possible." However, the Conservative politician implied this friendly demeanor masked deeper tensions that would inevitably surface.
Criticism of Holyrood's Parliamentary Culture
The departing MSP offered broader criticism of Holyrood's parliamentary culture, claiming that "Westminster acts more like a parliament" than its Scottish counterpart. He described Holyrood debates as "too scripted" and creating "quite a sterile environment."
Mr Ross specifically targeted First Minister's Questions, suggesting that questions from SNP backbenchers were frequently written by Mr Swinney's advisers rather than originating from the MSPs themselves. "It's a subject that apparently he knows nothing about, but he can flip his folder and read out an answer," Mr Ross observed. "That's not the way it should be."
Personal Toll and Political Disappointments
Like many politicians, Mr Ross has faced significant abuse during his career, though he claims it doesn't personally bother him. What does affect him, however, is when such criticism targets his family. He recalled posting a picture online holding his newborn child, only to receive comments including one describing the baby as "just another rat taken into the world."
More distressing than personal attacks, according to Mr Ross, was the failure of his Right to Recovery Bill last year. The legislation, aimed at addressing drug and alcohol abuse, was voted down despite what he described as "years of hard work" and "decades of campaigning for change." He recounted a particularly painful moment when Health Secretary Neil Gray informed him in the Garden Lobby that the Scottish Government would not abstain from the vote as he had hoped.
"That's the worst moment I've had in this Parliament," Mr Ross admitted, describing the bill's defeat as particularly devastating given his belief that it "would save lives."
Future Ambitions and Parting Shots
Despite being rejected by voters in last summer's general election, Mr Ross remains undeterred in his political ambitions. He plans to stand for Westminster in 2029, or sooner if an election is called, marking a determined transition from Scottish to UK politics.
In response to Mr Ross's departure, an SNP spokesperson offered diplomatic farewells: "We wish Douglas Ross all the very best in whatever he chooses to do next – he's shrewdly chosen to leave on his own accord, that is not an opportunity that many of his colleagues will have."
As he prepares to exit Holyrood, having questioned three First Ministers and navigated the complexities of Scottish politics, Douglas Ross leaves with characteristic bluntness about his political style and relationships, while maintaining his determination to continue his career on the Westminster stage.
