Scottish Tory Leader Launches Campaign Targeting Key SNP Seats

Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross has asserted that a loss at the upcoming General Election could significantly derail the SNP’s quest for Scottish independence. As Ross prepares to launch his party’s campaign on Tuesday in Perth, he aims to challenge First Minister John Swinney in his Perthshire North constituency.

Addressing supporters, Ross emphasised the stakes of the election, positioning it as a key opportunity for voters to reject the SNP’s independence agenda. “We’re here in John Swinney’s own constituency to make it clear that the Scottish Conservatives are determined to challenge the SNP’s hold on seats like this one,” he stated. He characterised the election as a pivotal moment to “finally end” the independence push that has persisted since the 2014 referendum.

Ross contended that the SNP’s continued focus on independence detracts from crucial issues such as job creation, NHS wait times, and public service improvements. “By defeating the SNP, we can redirect attention to improving lives across Scotland,” he declared, urging voters to back the Scottish Conservatives in key contests throughout the nation.

Meanwhile, SNP MP and Perth and Kinross-Shire candidate Pete Wishart argued that voting SNP is the most effective route to removing the Tory Government. Wishart highlighted the impact of Westminster-driven policies such as austerity, Brexit, and the cost-of-living crisis on Scotland’s economy and public services.

“The SNP in government has demonstrated that Scotland benefits when decisions are made here, from supporting households during economic crises to leading on healthcare performance,” Wishart said. He encouraged Scots to unite by voting SNP to ensure a future shaped by decisions made “in Scotland, for Scotland.”