Ross cleared of travel expenses wrongdoing by watchdog

Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross has been cleared of any wrongdoing regarding claims he misused his travel expenses.

The Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA) previously said it was reviewing information, published in the Sunday Mail newspaper, that alleged Mr Ross had combined the expenses with his work as a football linesman.

But the standards watchdog said in a statement it was "satisfied" no rules had been broken.

Mr Ross announced on Monday that he would be standing down as party leader following the general election campaign, where he is contesting the Aberdeenshire North and Moray East seat.

IPSA had said it was able to refer matters to its compliance officer for investigation, if it felt it was needed.

But on Friday a spokesperson said: "We have reviewed Mr Ross's travel claims, relating to the allegations made in the press, and met with him to discuss the issues that have been raised.

"Following this review, we are satisfied that the claims were within IPSA's rules and no further action is required."

Under UK parliamentary rules, MPs can only claim travel from their home airport.

In Mr Ross' case this was either Inverness or Aberdeen when he was MP for Moray.

According to the Sunday Mail, concerns had been raised by aides regarding 28 of his claims, including a number of parking fees.

When the story emerged Mr Ross said that he had "no issue" with the claims being examined again.

The weekend allegations followed a row over Mr Ross' selection for the Aberdeenshire North and Moray East seat.

The surprise announcement came after the party effectively de-selected David Duguid as the Conservative candidate in Aberdeenshire North and Moray East.

A Scottish Conservatives spokesperson said: “IPSA have confirmed all of Douglas’ expenses claims were valid.

"His focus is on beating the SNP in Aberdeenshire North and Moray East where he's spent the day speaking to local voters."