Nicola Sturgeon visited Perth today as the SNP steps up its campaign ahead of May’s local council election.
The first minister travelled to the Fair City, on a yellow emblazoned bus launched in Dundee this morning, as part of a 21-day cost of living tour around Scotland.
She was photographed on the Dundee Law this morning as her party says its campaign is stepping up a gear with a focus on the cost-of-living crisis.
The bus then arrived at the South Inch Car Park in Perth at around 12.30pm where she was met by deputy first minister John Swinney, MP Pete Wishart, MSP Jim Fairlie and local SNP councillors and supporters.
Following a meet-and-greet she walked along Tay Street with her fellow party members before heading down High Street, speaking to members of the public along the way.
As well as Dundee and Perth and Kinross, the bus will stop in nine council areas including Angus, Edinburgh and the three Lothians authorities over the Bank Holiday weekend.
The first minister said SNP politicians will put cost of living issues front and centre of their priorities.
Speaking ahead of the bus launch, Ms Sturgeon said: “In the midst of an unprecedented cost-of-living crisis, the May 5 election was already shaping up to be important – but after an extraordinary week people across Scotland will have the opportunity to cast their verdict on the law-breaking Prime Minister and Chancellor, and the shameful attempts by leading Tories to defend them.
“With less than three weeks until Scotland goes to the polls, the SNP are out campaigning for every vote, in every community across Scotland.
“We are using every power at our disposal to help families in tough times, and the top priority of every SNP councillor elected will be to help ease the cost-of-living squeeze – supporting those on the lowest incomes and tackling fuel poverty.
“Our action stands in stark contrast to the inaction from the Westminster Government – and that’s why this election is so important.
“We need to come together as a country and send a message that the callous indifference on rising energy and food bills from Westminster will not be tolerated, and that it is untenable to have law-breakers occupying 10 and 11 Downing Street.”
