Six of Ross’s worst moments (so far) in his time as
THE time has finally come. Douglas Ross has announced he is stepping down from his role as Scottish Tory leader. It led to quite the reaction across Scottish politics, with Patrick Harvie branding him “perhaps the worst leader in the Scottish Tories’ history and the Scottish Parliament and, indeed, Scottish politics”.
While it’s safe to assume there are plenty of people in the country who won’t miss Ross, he has given The Jouker plenty of laughs down the years as well. Here’s a look at the highlights reel.
A sweary FMQs
NO doubt everybody will remember when Ross was forced to apologise for swearing at FMQs back in March 2023.
As proceedings were disrupted by a protester, the Scottish Tory leader could be heard exclaiming “f***’s sake” as the Presiding Officer suspended proceedings.
“It’s been brought to my attention that I perhaps used industrial language in response to the protesters who interrupted the session earlier,” Ross said. “And to you, the Chamber, and everyone listening, including my mother probably, I apologise for that.”
Atomic Kitten
THE Jouker is sorry for even bringing this one up given how painful it is to watch but it feels like it can’t be missed.
During an interview with STV, Ross expressed his love of Atomic Kitten before saying he’d made up his own dance actions. Nicola
Sturgeon probably summed it up best when she was asked for her reaction. “That Dougie Ross thing with Atomic Kitten – I mean, talk about cringe,” she said.
Boris a ‘truthful man’
THIS really is a classic. After the release of a report which found Boris Johnson had repeatedly lied to Parliament, a clip resurfaced of Ross calling the former PM an “honest man”.
Asked in April 2022 if his boss was a “truthful man,” he replied: “Yes. And he’s dealing with the situation in Ukraine and he’s dealing with the situation at home here.”
It was a comment that aged like milk and Ross eventually declined to say if he regretted his remarks when asked by The National. said: “This is the first case of a rat deserting a sinking ship while simultaneously trying to clamber aboard a gravy train.
“Douglas Ross requires to resign as candidate for Aberdeenshire North and Moray Easy where he stabbed David Duguid in the back. Ross is totally devoid of honour.”
Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP said: “This is yet more proof of a Conservative Party in abject disarray.
“Just like the SNP, the Tories have been in power for too long, breaking rules and taking you for granted.
Expletive banners
ROSS’S career as a football linesman is well documented. He was the target of a banner unveiled by the Celtic Green Brigade in match in February 2023.
While running the line for a tie at Celtic Park, a banner was unveiled which read: “VAR DECISION: DOUGLAS ROSS IS A C***.”
The Scottish Tory leader didn’t seem overly fazed though, and when he finally did break his silence he said: “I saw the banner being unveiled, I don’t think anybody couldn’t see it, given the size it was.
“My duty at Celtic Park was to run the line, to be an assistant referee, to support the referee team and that’s where my focus was for the entire 90 minutes. Others are looking into this. My focus during