Constituents may show Ross a red card

MP’S choice to officiate at a football match rather than debate Universal Credit sends out the wrong signals

Flagging Lionel Messi offside is a long way from debating and voting on an issue that has a direct impact on the most deprived members of society.

But Conservative MP and assistant football referee Douglas Ross made it perfectly clear his priorities lie with the multi-millionaire superstars at the Camp Nou Stadium rather than those who rely on welfare payments to get by.

His decision to run the line at the Champions League match between Barcelona and Greek team Olympiacos last night, rather than attend a debate on Universal Credit followed by a vote on the issue at Westminster, has left many scratching their heads in disbelief.

As second jobs go, Mr Ross has landed a nice role and the sound of the Champions League anthem resonating round the Nou Camp in the time honoured pre-match ritual is surely preferable to MPS braying in the Houses of Parliament. But it shouldn’t be if you’re an elected MP.

And while we’re not against MPS having small second jobs and outside interests that keep them in touch with the real world, the time has come for Mr Ross to get serious about his future.

There is no way that officiating at international football matches is compatible with the work of an elected public official.

It’s a bridge too far that sends out the wrong kind of message to a public still harbouring suspicions after the MPS’ expenses scandal. A high-profile role of this nature does little to convince the good people of Moray that their local MP is working on their behalf. And we’re sure the players would be surprised to find out that the assistant referee who could hold their Champions League future in his flag hand doesn’t do that job full-time.

Mr Ross needs to decide whether his future really lies as an MP or as a superstar whistler – he can’t do both, no matter what Prime Minister Theresa May says.

Her decision to defend Mr Ross belittles the important job of an MP. The country is in a constitutional maelstrom following the Brexit vote and MPS should be redoubling their efforts. Indeed, this was one of the arguments put forward as to why the number of elected members at Westminster should not be cut under the Boundary Commission plans.

Unless Douglas Ross quickly decides on his priorities, then it may be the voters of Moray who will be flagging him offside.