Scotland’s political leaders yesterday kicked off their campaigns for a winter General Election, which will be dominated by Brexit and calls for a second Scottish independence referendum.
SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon headed to Stirling, one of her party’s key target constituencies where Alyn Smith MEP is hoping to unseat Tory Stephen Kerr.
Ms Sturgeon put Scottish independence at the heart of her campaign, claiming there was an “unequivocal and irresistible demand” for a second vote to break up the UK.
Ms Sturgeon said: “The number one issue for Scotland at the election is this: who should determine our future – Boris Johnson or the people who live here?”
She added: “The Tories want to impose Brexit on Scotland against our will, which will hit jobs and living standards. Scotland is a crucial battleground in this election. Voting SNP will help to lock the Tories out of government.”
Scottish Conservative leader Jackson Carlaw went to Perth, a key Tory target, to mark the beginning of his campaign. SNP representative Pete Wishart is defending a wafer thin majority of 21 in Perth and North Perthshire.
Mr Carlaw faced questions about the departure of his predecessor Ruth Davidson and the row over her £50,000 job offer – which she decided against taking this week after concerns were raised about a conflict of interest.
Mr Carlaw was appointed interim leader following Ms Davidson’s resignation and his party have yet to hold a contest to elect a permanent replacement.
Ms Davidson’s resignation had been seen as a huge blow to the Scottish Tories on the basis that they will miss her ability to attract voters from other parties.
Mr Carlaw was challenged about his absence from campaign leaflets being handed out and why Ms Davidson was still appearing on some literature.
Mr Carlaw said: “We are absolutely delighted that we’ve got former leaders that we’re able to use in this campaign.
“I doubt the SNP will be using Alex Salmond, I doubt the Labour Party will be using Kezia Dugdale.
“Our former leaders are still very much active in the party and an electoral asset, and we’ll be using both Annabelle Goldie and Ruth Davidson during this general election.”
Scottish Labour leader Richard Leonard campaigned in Edinburgh North and Leith where Gordon Munro is mounting a challenge to the SNP’s Deidre Brock.
Mr Leonard urged voters to choose Jeremy Corbyn ahead of Boris Johnson, and argued that Labour could deliver a second EU referendum.
Willie Rennie of the Lib Dems said his campaign would be based on stopping Brexit and Scottish independence, and putting Jo Swinson in Downing Street.
