SNP is the party of hope

So soon after the council elections, and we’re back on the doors for the snap General Election, called by the Tories to take advantage of the weakness of the Labour Party.

Labour gave up on their campaign some time ago, with a leaked report showing they have canvassed a fraction of those doors chapped in 2015, including here in Renfrewshire.

Local Labour activists don’t even bother canvassing for them anymore.

The state of the Labour Party is not a cause for celebration, far from it.

It has added to the terrible threat of an even harder Tory government with every intention of ignoring Scotland and crushing any opposition to their cuts, privatisation and the hammering of families and pensioners. There is hope however. The SNP team sent by Scotland, including from Paisley and Renfrewshire, were the strongest team ever to represent Scotland.

We can speak up for Scotland again in the face of this Tory threat.

I have the privilege of being campaign director for the SNP nationwide, and yet I’ve still had plenty time to campaign in my own Renfrewshire patch.

I never take local people for granted.

On Tuesday, I helped unveil our manifesto, which is a real alternative to the Tories.

The SNP will oppose austerity, with a new package of investment in our public services while protecting household budgets in this time of rising inflation.

We will oppose Tory attacks on pensions and welfare, while growing our economy.

We will deliver pension justice, protect free personal care and keep council tax bills low.

We will protect free education, free schools meals and expand quality childcare.

We deliver fair pay, protect the NHS and tackle inequality.

We can do this, and more, without the tax rises proposed by Labour.

I’ve worked alongside our local champions Mhairi Black and Gavin Newlands and know they are the best duo for our area. I fully support them.

We must protect Scotland’s right to make its own decisions.

Scotland’s future should be in Scotland’s hands.

We will support moves over the next Parliament to increase the Minimum Wage to the level of the real Living Wage. That will really make work pay. And on the subject of hard work – SNP MPs spoke in more debates and cost less than their predecessors in Westminster.

I know most people are probably a bit weary of politicians and elections. I can’t blame them.

But the vote is a precious thing, and when complacency creeps in, the powerful elite take over and the interests of local people are forgotten.

This mustn’t be allowed to happen on June 8. Use your vote. Keep Scotland strong, and make sure Renfrewshire’s voice continues to be heard loud and clear in Westminster. Vote SNP.