Douglas Ross loses election race to SNP's Seamus Logan

The SNP has won Aberdeenshire North and Moray East, defeating outgoing Scottish Tory leader Douglas Ross.

The SNP’s Seamus Logan is the area’s new MP, winning 13,455 to 12,513 for Ross.

Reform UK came third with 5,562 votes.

Ross controversially became the candidate for the seat at the last minute, after party officials ruled notional incumbent David Duguid was unable to stand.

Duguid had been receiving hospital treatment for a spinal illness but repeatedly insisted he was well enough to stand, and has been adopted by his local Conservative Association.

Ross had been expected not to stand for Westminster after his previous Moray seat disappeared in boundary changed.

The decision sparked considerable anger within his Holyrood group, ultimately leading to him confirming he would stand down as Scottish Tory leader after the election.

He also said he would stand down as an MSP if elected as an MP. He is therefore expected to stay on a Holyrood.

At the time he said: “I have served as MP, MSP and leader for over three years now and believed I could continue to do so if re-elected to Westminster, but on reflection, that is not feasible.”