People of Hamilton ‘feel let down’ by Labour, claims Swinney

Scotland’s First Minister has said the people of Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse “feel let down” by Labour since they took office.

John Swinney will visit the constituency on Monday ahead of a by-election on June 5 with his sights set on Labour.

Ahead of the visit, the First Minister pointed to the cut made to the winter heating payment in the first weeks after the election.

Since, the Scottish Government has said it will introduce a similar payment this winter, the amount of which would be based on income.

Scottish Labour has also committed to fully restoring the universal payment to the UK-wide level if the party wins the election next year.

“The people of Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse feel let down by Labour who were elected on the promise of change less than a year ago,” the First Minister said.

“One of Keir Starmer’s first decisions as a Labour Prime Minister was to axe winter heating support for pensioners – who were already struggling to pay their home energy bills due to the cost of living crisis.

“Shamefully, Labour has confirmed they will not reverse this decision.

“I’m proud to say that the SNP is stepping in to support all pensioners in Scotland with a new winter fuel payment.

The First Minister will be campaigning with candidate Katy Loudon on Monday (Mike Boyd/PA). PA Media

“This decision I’ve taken as First Minister means that 36,000 pensioners in South Lanarkshire will be supported with their heating bills this winter.

“Scotland will always be an afterthought to Labour.

“The SNP always has and always will put Scotland first. We’re on your side.”

Katy Loudon is the party’s candidate in the seat, vying to win after the death of Government minister Christina McKelvie sparked the by-election.

Ms Loudon said the Scottish Government was “stepping in where Labour have let Scotland down”.

“I am proud of the SNP’s and my record of fighting for this community and for Scotland. Can my Labour opponent say the same?” she asked.

But Scottish Labour deputy leader Jackie Baillie said all the SNP had to offer was “more failure and decline”.

“John Swinney and the SNP have broken our NHS, overseen record levels of homeless children and destroyed the reputation of Scotland’s schools.

“All the SNP have to offer is more failure and decline while looking for someone else to blame.

“While John Swinney crashes our public services and Katy Loudon votes against vital investment in Hamilton, Scottish Labour is ready to deliver a new direction.

“Only Scottish Labour can replace the SNP and only Davy Russell can beat the SNP in Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse.”