TORY MP Douglas Ross has said he will no longer accept refereeing appointments when Parliament is sitting.
The Moray MP had come under fire for missing a debate on Universal Credit to be part of the officiating team in a Champions League match.
Writing for Inside Moray, he said: “This week I have taken the decision to inform the football authorities that I will no longer be able to accept any appointments when Parliament is sitting.
“The consequence of this decision means that I can no longer do the majority of International matches and my hopes of representing Scotland, and most importantly for me, Moray, at a World Cup, now end.”
He defended his decision to miss a debate earlier this month, stating that he knew he would not be able to speak in it, while arrangements had been put in place to ensure his absence would not affect any vote.
However, he said he had reflected on the criticism he received.
He said his role as an MP was his “number one priority”, and he has realised he could no longer do both jobs.
He added: “My sole focus now will be representing the constituency of Moray – a job I love for an area I love even more.”
Mr Ross had missed the Universal Credit debate to work as an assistant referee at the Barcelona v Olympiakos game in Spain on October 18.
Theresa May was forced to defend him when SNP MP John McNally brandished a red card during Prime Minister’s Questions, saying members of the public were ”expected to turn up to their day jobs or face sanctions”.
Mr Ross was elected to Westminster in June, ousting SNP depute leader Angus Robertson. He previously served as an MSP at Holyrood.
Enjoy the convenience of having The Sunday Post delivered as a digital ePaper straight to your smartphone, tablet or computer.
Subscribe for only £5.49 a month and enjoy all the benefits of the printed paper as a digital replica.
Subscribe