Scottish Conservative and Unionist party these

past nearly eight years. This has been a

remarkable time in politics and I will

always be thankful for the opportunity to have

a front seat as Scottish political history was

being made.

It is therefore with a heavy heart that this

morning I wrote to the chairman of the Scottish

Conservative party to tender my resignation.

I explained the changes, both professional and personal,

that have prompted this decision. You all know and I have

never sought to hide the conflict that I have felt over Brexit.

As I Iook to the future I see the Scottish election due in 2021

and a credible threat from our opponents to force a general

election before then. Having lead our party

through seven national elections and two referenda I know

the efforts, the hours and the travel required to fight such

campaigns successfully. And I have to be honest that

where the idea of getting on the roads to fight two

elections in 20 months would once have fired me up

the threat of spending hundreds of hours away from my home

and family now fills me with dread. And that

is now way to lead.

What I would urge is to colleagues who want to

avoid no-deal. Vote for a deal - you've had three

opportunities, you blew every one of them.

Don't blow a fourth. I know the prime minister

is seeking to get a deal. I've had long conversations

with him on this point and I believe him when

he says he's seeking to get a deal. And please, for

those people who are trying to avoid no-deal,

make it clear, make it clear now that if a deal comes

back to the house of commons you will vote

for it. And let the EU hear you say that you will

vote for it so that they understand that there

is a reason for them to re-open negotiations.