Ofcom Looks into Sky News Interview with Douglas Ross

An interview featuring Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross on Sky News is under scrutiny by regulatory body Ofcom. The investigation focuses on Ross's June 10 announcement regarding his resignation as party leader, which may have violated guidelines that require broadcasters to maintain "due weight" and "strict impartiality" in political coverage leading up to elections. These rules are designed to ensure that all candidates have equal opportunities to present their views, particularly on constituency-related issues. During the interview, Ross addressed the difficulties of juggling his responsibilities as an MP, MSP, and party leader, while also reflecting on the backlash he faced after losing the Aberdeenshire North and Moray East seat to the SNP. Ofcom has confirmed that they are examining whether the program breached election coverage regulations, stating, "We are investigating whether this programme broke our rules around election coverage." Ross clarified that his decision to step down was not influenced by political ambitions but was a reflection of his commitment to focus on his constituents. He emphasized that his resignation was a thoughtful decision based on feedback from colleagues and the need to prioritize the people he represents. In a related note, another recent interview on Good Morning Britain featuring Ed Balls and Yvette Cooper has drawn significant attention, resulting in over 15,000 complaints to Ofcom. Critics raised concerns about Balls's impartiality due to his personal connection with the Home Secretary, while tensions also arose during a discussion with MP Zarah Sultana regarding far-right violence in the UK.