BORDERS MSP John Lamont has confirmed he will stand as the Conservative candidate in the General Election on June 8.

He was unanimously approved by the party, on Saturday after being the only member to put his name forward.

Mr Lamont will again battle it out with the SNP's Calum Kerr in the hope of being elected to represent the Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk constituency.

The seat is the most marginal in Scotland, with the Tories narrowly losing out in 2015 by 328 votes.

And Mr Lamont is expected to make an announcement on what his decision means for his future as MSP for Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire this week.

He said: "It is an honour and a privilege to have been selected as the Scottish Conservative and Unionist candidate in the General Election on June 8.

"Much has changed in the Borders in the past few years. With the Liberal Democrats all but disappeared, we live in the most marginal constituency in the whole of Scotland. In June, it will be a choice between myself, who will stand up for Scotland in a strong United Kingdom or a nationalist whose number one priority is pushing for a second independence referendum.

"I have had great privilege of representing this glorious part of Scotland for the last 10 years in the Scottish Parliament. I want to continue this but in the United Kingdom Parliament. My local advice surgeries will continue each week, my support of local businesses and events will continue throughout the year, and my dedication to getting a better deal for every community that I represent will continue as it has done for the last decade.

"I have put my name forward for this election because I believe I am the best candidate to stand up against the SNP and their plan to break up Britain.

"A second independence referendum may be the First Minister’s priority, but it isn’t mine. I believe the Borders needs a politician who will focus on growing the economy, bringing investment and jobs to the Borders and a strong Scotland as part of a strong United Kingdom."