ANAS Sarwar has been accused of “staggering hypocrisy” after hailing Tory councillors losing seats in England while his party relies on their support throughout Scotland.
The Scottish Labour leader was accused of doing “nothing” about his councillors who have entered into backroom deals with the Conservatives in local authorities across Scotland – despite a pre-election pledge last year his party would do no deals with any others.
Labour councillors have helped the Conservatives into power in South Ayrshire, Moray and struck deals with the Tories and other parties across the country to keep the SNP out in other areas such as Edinburgh and Fife.
Welcoming the Conservatives’ defeat in the most recent English council elections – which saw party endure losses worse than their worst-case scenario had predicted – Sarwar said: “So much for Tory expectation management… Over 1000 Tory losses. Over 500 Labour gains.
“It’s time for change. It’s time for Labour.”
But his comments were criticised by the SNP – who said that Labour were happy to work with Tory councillors north of the Border.
Tommy Sheppard, the SNP MP for Edinburgh East, said: “The hypocrisy of all this is quite staggering.
“On one hand, Anas Sarwar heaps praise on Labour for removing Tory councillors across England, while in Scotland he proudly watches on as his councillors stand side-by-side with them.
“Voters will rightly ask the question: why does Anas Sarwar stand by and do nothing?
“With Labour lurching further and further to the right, and U-turning on countless manifesto commitments, the choice facing people in Scotland could not be clearer.
“A vote for the SNP at the next general election would ensure the power to determine Scotland’s future is transferred to Edinburgh, that the cost of living crisis takes centre stage at Westminster, and that Scotland’s relation with our European allies are rebuilt and renewed.”
Scottish Labour were approached for comment.
