Former Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross is to stand down as an MSP at next year’s Holyrood election.

The Highlands and Islands MSP signalled he would seek to return to Westminster, where he previously served as MP for Moray.

Ross resigned as party leader after his decision to stand in last summer’s general election was criticised by colleagues.

In a statement, he said would work “flat out” to help his successor as party leader Russell Findlay return Tory MSPs to Holyrood next May.

In a statement, Ross said: “In the general election last year, I said I would stand down as an MSP if elected.

“As I hope to stand for Westminster again at the next general election, I believe it is right that I don’t seek election to Holyrood in 2026.

“I will however work flat out to support Russell Findlay and the team to return as many Scottish Conservative MSPs as possible next May.”