Ousted former Tory MP David Duguid has hinted that he may stand in the 2026 Holyrood election - after new Scottish Tory leader Russell Findlay said "the door remains open" for him to do so.
Duguid was barred by Scottish Tory officials from running for the Aberdeenshire North and Moray East seat at the 2024 General Election, citing health reasons.
Former Scottish Tory leader Douglas Ross then faced internal criticism over his decision to step in and contest the seat, which he lost to the SNP’s Seamus Logan by less than 1,000 votes.
Speaking on his maiden visit to the North-East on Wednesday about the row, Russell Findlay told The Press and Journal: "It was really unfortunate, the events that transpired.
READ MORE: David Duguid says he'd have won seat lost by Scottish Conservative leader Ross
"But I’m determined not to start poking at that and trying to open old wounds."
He then said that he had been in contact with Mr Duguid, adding: "David knows the value I have in his fantastic contribution as an MP, and he knows the door remains open.
“He’s under no pressure to decide what his future might look like, but I’d very much like for him to feel welcome as a potential candidate going into 2026.”
Responding to Russell Findlay's comments, David Duguid hinted that he may stand in the 2026 Holyrood election.
He said: “As I focused on my recovery over the summer, I have also been considering my options going forward.
“I may consider standing again if the right opportunity arose.”
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