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Minister conflict claims denied Minister conflict claims denied
(about 3 hours later)
The Scottish Government has defended one of its senior ministers in light of claims of a conflict of interest.The Scottish Government has defended one of its senior ministers in light of claims of a conflict of interest.
Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead said it was "disappointing" that a bypass for Elgin was not included in the government's transport priorities.Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead said it was "disappointing" that a bypass for Elgin was not included in the government's transport priorities.
The Liberal Democrats said the Moray MSP had to choose between "propping up" the transport plans and backing his constituents.The Liberal Democrats said the Moray MSP had to choose between "propping up" the transport plans and backing his constituents.
Ministers said he would continue to represent constituents' views. Mr Lochhead said he would continue to represent constituents' views.
Lib Dem transport spokeswoman Alison McInnes said Mr Lochhead needed to decide on his priorities.Lib Dem transport spokeswoman Alison McInnes said Mr Lochhead needed to decide on his priorities.
She asked: "Will he choose to prop up his government's transport blueprint, which ignores promises the SNP made to communities across Scotland, or will he choose to keep his promise to his constituents and continue to campaign for an Elgin bypass? 'Strengthen case'
She said: "Will he choose to prop up his government's transport blueprint, which ignores promises the SNP made to communities across Scotland, or will he choose to keep his promise to his constituents and continue to campaign for an Elgin bypass?
"He cannot do both, so his position as it stands is untenable.""He cannot do both, so his position as it stands is untenable."
But a government spokesman said Mr Lochhead had the interests of his constituents in mind. Mr Lochhead said he had supported the Elgin bypass campaign.
He added: "I'll continue to work with the local community to strengthen the business case, so when the Scottish Government does get the resources in future to fund even more transport projects in Scotland, the Elgin bypass is near top of the list."
A government spokesman said Mr Lochhead had the interests of his constituents in mind.
"He has made and will continue to make representations on that basis - he has a duty as a constituency MSP to represent his constituents and their wishes," added the spokesman."He has made and will continue to make representations on that basis - he has a duty as a constituency MSP to represent his constituents and their wishes," added the spokesman.