DOUGLAS Ross has declined to reveal what he discussed with Ruth Davidson four days before his predecessor as Scottish Conservative leader resigned.
Speaking to journalists today, Ross said the visit former party leader Davidson paid to his Moray home on July 26 was private and would be kept as such.
News of the meeting was revealed by The National on Wednesday, the same day Ross was appointed as leader when no other challengers put themselves forward for the post.
READ MORE: Revealed: Davidson’s secret visit to Ross just days before Carlaw quit
Ross, the MP for Moray, has asked Davidson to lead First Minister's Questions for his party on his behalf. He plans to stand for a seat at Holyrood next year.
But he said Davidson will not be his deputy and he is expected to announce his front bench team in the coming days.
Jackson Carlaw stood down on the evening of July 30, just hours after facing Nicola Sturgeon in the Scottish Parliament.
Carlaw said that after contemplating his future over the summer, he had decided he was not the right person to lead the party.
Ross told the PA news agency on Wednesday that he had not had any discussions with party members before he announced his plan to stand for the leadership the day after Carlaw's resignation.
READ MORE: Is this Daily Mail article more proof Douglas Ross is a front for Ruth Davidson?
On Friday, he said: "I'm sorry it adds to speculation, but it was a private meeting."
Ross added that if he ever has a private meeting with a journalist, they can be assured he will not tell other media organisations what it was about.
He continued: "What I have said is that I asked Ruth and she agreed to lead First Minister's Questions for me if I become leader only after Jackson resigned.
"I hope that gives you some reassurance on that point."
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