A former MP who did not vote in the Brexit referendum because it was “very difficult” is advising the new Scottish Tory leader.
Kirstene Hair, dumped by the voters at the general election, has been hired to work with Douglas Ross.
SNP MP Alyn Smith said: “It speaks volumes that the Tories are recycling failed politicians who have proven they do not have a view on the biggest issue facing Scotland.
“Kirstene Hair could not work out what was in Scotland’s best interests during the Brexit referendum, and since then has gone along with what her party has decided.”
Hair was elected as the Tory MP for Angus in 2017 after overturning a large SNP majority.
However, after winning the seat, she admitted she had sat out the biggest issue in UK politics in decades.
“I didn’t vote on Brexit. I took the decision not to vote on it. It was incredibly difficult. The first time I’ve never voted in my life.
“It was very difficult because you get two arguments, very strong on both sides.”
She explained: “I just ultimately couldn’t make that decision and I thought I would therefore go with the will of the UK which, if I’m honest, I thought we would remain.
“But I left that to everyone else.”
She lost her seat to the Nationalists in December and has now been appointed as a key member of Ross’ team.
The Moray MP took over as party leader after the shock resignation of Jackson Carlaw.
Within days of becoming leader, Ross was hit by claims he and senior MSP Ruth Davidson had been part of a plot to oust Carlaw.
He then apologised for missing a VJ Day event to work as a linesman at a football match.
