Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar has declared that Scotland has “paid the price” for two decades of SNP governance, as he urged voters to reject Reform UK on the eve of the Holyrood elections. Speaking a day before polls open, Sarwar framed the choice as between the SNP’s re-election and a new Scottish Labour government, focusing on the struggling NHS and squeezed household budgets.
Sarwar’s Eve-of-Poll Message
Addressing the party’s rally, Sarwar said: “We have all seen the mess John Swinney and the SNP have made over those 20 years. Our NHS is struggling, family budgets are under pressure and too many people feel they are paying more and getting less. The SNP has had 20 years and Scotland has paid the price – give me five, and together we can build a better future.”
He emphasised the damage under SNP rule, including an NHS under strain, stretched family finances, denied opportunities for young people, and neglected communities. Sarwar also urged voters to reject the “poison of Reform”, accusing the party of offering smears and grievance instead of solutions.
“Only Scottish Labour can win in constituencies across Scotland, beat the SNP and deliver the change Scotland needs. Tomorrow, Scotland faces a simple choice: more of the same with John Swinney and the SNP, or change with Scottish Labour. The poison of Reform, or a better future for our country,” Sarwar said.
SNP Response
SNP campaign director Angus Robertson countered: “Anas Sarwar has nothing positive to offer Scottish voters – all he wants to do is stop the SNP getting things done. A re-elected SNP government will support people with the soaring cost of living by introducing a price cap for essential food items in supermarkets, cut energy bills and open more GP walk-in clinics all over Scotland to help beat the 8am rush – Labour and the other parties just want to stop us.”
Robertson added: “By backing John Swinney’s reliable and trusted leadership on Thursday, people can elect an SNP majority for a government which will support people with the cost of living, lock Nigel Farage out of power in Scotland, and deliver the fresh start of independence.”
Reform UK has been approached for comment.
