Lib Dems hit out at ‘vicious’ campaign

THE SNP has been accused of running ‘vicious’ and ‘aggressive’ election campaigns.

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie yesterday claimed Nationalists had ‘gone very low’ by launching personal attacks in a bid to win votes.

He said there are several areas across Scotland where his candidates have endured such tactics.

Christine Jardine, standing in Edinburgh West, has suffered online abuse – even on the day of her husband’s funeral last week – and has been targeted personally in SNP leaflets.

Mr Rennie spoke out as he launched his party’s manifesto in the capital yesterday – confirming their opposition to a second independence referendum.

He said: ‘The SNP campaign in Edinburgh West has gone very low... it seems to be the pattern. Some of my friends in the party have to go through quite a lot of difficulties in their election campaigns, so to see them overcome personal, vicious campaigns is a joy – but it’s more to see them overcoming it than revenge on individuals who are pursuing a negative, aggressive campaign.’

Mr Rennie also said many voters had told him they were ‘incandescent with rage’ over the prospect of a second independence referendum.

The Lib Dem manifesto vows to ‘vote against another divisive independence referendum’. Other pledges are plans to hold a Brexit deal referendum, add a penny to income tax and end the 1 per cent public sector pay cap.

An SNP spokesman said: ‘We’re running a positive campaign to stand up for Scotland.’