Labour’s rose will bloom here again Scottish leader’s message to voters in Doon Valley
Mr Leonard said: “It’s the resilience of the people that’s keeping the Doon Valley going.
“But it’s about time they were given a helping hand from government.
“There are too many people living in poverty and on poverty pay.
“We need investment in public services and we need to see communities having more control, with the possibility of community buy- outs.”
Mr Leonard said only Labour is pledging a decade of investment.
“We’re the only party opposing the austerity policies of the Tories, which are being passed on by the SNP.”
He said the SNP’s own Growth Commission report revealed there would be even more austerity in an independent Scotland.
And he was adamant: “The Labour Party is absolutely opposed to a second referendum on independence.”
Labour colleague Colin Smyth MSP said: “We’re seeing a growing frustration among voters on a debate focused on the constitution.
“People want to see improvements in education and health.”
Mr Leonard popped up to Bellsbank to see how streets are being transformed with ‘ Balamory’ style painting of houses.
In the afternoon, he visited the Sovereign Credit Union in Cumnock to hear about its services in the community.
Then it was on to Tarbolton, to meet residents who are unhappy about their doctors’ surgery hours being cut, due to a shortage of GPs.