Hairgraciousindefeat aftershelosesherseat

Kirstene Hair congratulated her opponent after losing her Angus seat to Dave Doogan of the SNP.

The SNP challenger won by 21,216 votes to the 17,421 received by Conservative Ms Hair who had won the seat two years ago.

Ms Hair, who wished Mr Doogan all the best in his new role, said: “Obviously I am disappointed with the result. My team and I worked as hard as we possibly could have done to deliver for the people of Angus over the last two-and-a-half years.

“I would like to congratulate Dave Doogan on his election, and I wish him all the best in his new role.”

Angus’ newly-elected MP has said he plans to buy a home in the county.

Former head of the SNP group at Perth and Kinross Council, Mr Doogan suggested his move reflects his commitment to local issues.

In his first interview since taking the seat, Mr Doogan said he would immediately focus on local issues reserved to Westminster.

“Here in Angus that is immigration, which is going to drastically affect farming, particularly soft fruit, if we don’t get a grip on that.”

He said welfare issues were his second big concern.

“We have to make sure that we spend a lot of time ameliorating the devastating consequences of welfare reform, particularly Universal Credit and the sanctions that come with it.”

He denied his win in the county meant turning his back on the significant part of the local electorate who were against independence.

He said: “I have spoken to people countless times who want to vote for the SNP on the basis of our pragmatic and evidence- based position on Brexit, but are not quite at the stage of supporting an independence referendum.

“My message to them is to look at the evidence, look at the cleavage that is starting to show between Scotland and England in terms of our political ambitions.

“Scotland has voted in a very clear way and that appears not to be the way England has voted.”

He added: “I don’t see any way the United Kingdom can withstand that divergence.”