Scottish Tory leader Douglas Ross has U-turned on his pledge to quit Westminster and will stand in next month's general election.
Mr Ross's last minute decision has received backlash as he seized the candidacy of a former minister who is recovering from spinal surgery.
The shock announcement came after the Scottish Conservative party de-selected David Duguid as the party candidate for Aberdeenshire North and Moray East.
Mr Duguid was admitted to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary (ARI) last month for a spinal illness, however he announced his intention to stand at the election, despite spending four weeks in the intensive care unit.
However, earlier this week he confirmed on X that he has not been put forward as the candidate.
He posted: "Despite my having been adopted by our local members, the Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party has informed me that they have decided not to put me forward as their chosen candidate for Aberdeenshire North and Moray East."
Mr Ross described Mr Duguid as "friend and colleague" but has been criticised for the decision.
Kate Forbes, the Deputy First Minister says the call to drop Mr Duguid as the candidate in Aberdeenshire North and Moray East is a "new low" for the party.
Mr Ross announced his intention to stand yesterday explaining "This constituency will be very competitive, a hard fought, close contest between the Scottish Conservatives and the SNP.
"I have decided that I need to lead from the front."
"I will stand in the seat and I intend to beat the SNP, just as I've done in the past, so we can get focused on the top priorities of local people."