Sarwar campaigns in Sturgeon’s back yard

MSP Anas Sarwar yesterday launched his Scottish Labour leadership campaign with a pledge to deliver “equality, opportunity and fairness” in power.

He spoke of his ambition to become Scotland’s next First Minister during the event, which was held in Nicola Sturgeon’s Glasgow Southside constituency.

The Glasgow politician said he would pursue policies to “rescue the NHS”, end the gender pay gap and lift children out of poverty by topping up child benefit.

“Despite being a Glasgow MSP, despite representing one of the poorest communities in our country, Nicola Sturgeon’s SNP has presided over £400 million of cuts to this city,” he said. “Half of the children in this constituency are deprived. That is a national disgrace. And yet Nicola Sturgeon refuses to use the powers we have to help them.”