Here's everything you need to know about Douglas Ross and why he resigned over Dominic Cummings alleged lockdown breaches

In an open letter the MP for Moray stated that he could “not in good faith” back the prime minister's aide over his constituents.

Mr Ross said that "while the intentions may have been well-meaning", Mr Cummings' interpretation of the rules was "not shared by the vast majority of people".

"I have constituents who didn't get to say goodbye to loved ones; families who could not mourn together; people who didn't visit sick relatives because they followed the guidance of the Government," the Conservative MP wrote.

Ross’ shock resignation as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Scotland, came as fellow cabinet ministers attempted to rally around the aide whose position has come under intense scrutiny since revelations came to light on Friday.

Michael Gove defended Cummings’ claim that he had driven from Durham to Barnard Castle to test his eyesight, saying "It'd have been entirely within his right to return to work that day on the basis of the advice he had been given, that's my understanding, so that drive was completely appropriate.”

Prime minister Boris Johnson continued to fiercely defend his aide. Speaking at a daily coronavirus press briefing Mr Johnson said that the public could “make up their own minds” about Mr Cummings’ actions.

Who is Douglas Ross?

Douglas Ross, 37, first moved into politics in 2007 representing the Fochabers-Lhanbryde ward as a member of Moray Council.

At the 2016 Scottish Parliament Election was elected an MSP for Highlands and Islands. During his time as an MSP he campaigned for the UNited Kingdom to remain a part of the European Union.

A year later he stepped down after an unlikely Westminster Victory.

Ross was elected MP for Moray in 2017 unseating former SNP leader in the House of Commons Angus Robertson.Ross’ victory was remarkable overturning Robertson’s majority of 9,065 to earn his own majority of 4,159.

During his first term as an MP Ross was criticised by Amnesty International following an interview with the Telegraph in which he made comments about the Traveller Community. Asked what he would prioritise if he became prime minister, Ross said he would introduce “tougher enforcement against Gypsies and Travellers”.

At the 2019 General Election Ross retained his Westminster seat, narrowly defeating SNP challenger Laura Mitchell with a majority of 519.

Following his 2019 election Ross was named Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Scotland, the role from which he has now resigned.

Career as an assistant referee

Ross has juggled his time as a member of parliament with a career as a professional football referee.