Anas Sarwar will try to bring down Humza Yousaf by lodging a vote of no confidence in the Scottish Government.
08.04.2024 - 03:37 / dailyrecord.co.uk
Anas Sarwar has accused SNP ministers of being "terrible with public money" as Labour tries to win over Scots unhappy at paying more tax while public services struggle.
Changes to personal taxation in Scotland announced at last year's Budget came into force on April 1 and saw the creation of a new tax band of 45p for those on salaries of between £75,000 and £125,140.
The top rate of tax - levied on earnings above £125,140 - increased by one penny to 48p.
Previous increases mean all workers in Scotland earning over £28,000 a year pay more than elsewhere in the UK.
SNP and Green ministers remain confident that most Scots are happy to pay more to help protect public services already struggling to meet demand.
But Scottish Labour believes it can take advantage of discontent among voters on the tax issue ahead of this year's general election.
Sarwar spoke to the Record while campaigning in East Renfewshire, an SNP-held constituency Labour believes it can retake.
Asked if his party was chasing votes from middle class Scots, he said: "We are the party of aspiration. We are a pro-worker, pro business, pro-growth party.
"The SNP want to pretend it's only those with the broadest shoulders that are being asked to pay more tax.
"Almost 1.5 million people in Scotland pay higher taxes here than anywhere else in the UK. And that's not because they are getting more in return - they're actually paying more and getting less.
"Income tax is being used as a substitute for economic growth and to cover-up the financial mismanagement of this SNP Government.
"You've seen it already with the ferries scandal. This is a government that is terrible with public money, that wastes it every single day.
"That's having a negative impact right across the country -
Anas Sarwar will try to bring down Humza Yousaf by lodging a vote of no confidence in the Scottish Government.
The Scottish Greens have accused the SNP of "cowardice" after they were kicked out of Government by Humza Yousaf.
Free childcare provision in Scotland should be urgently expanded to include kids under three to help reduce poverty rates, SNP ministers have been told.
Meghan Markle is reportedly 'terrified' of history repeating itself for her two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
Patrick Harvie will quit as co-leader of the Scottish Greens if the party votes to end the power-sharing deal with the SNP.
A row has broken out between the SNP and the UK Government over how much Scotland will pay on radioactive waste.
2023 historical drama “Napoleon.”“It’s terrible,” the “Succession” star, 77, said at London’s HistFest earlier this week. “A truly terrible performance by Joaquin Phoenix.” The English actor continued: “It really is appalling. I don’t know what he was thinking.
Public Service Broadcasting have announced details of a huge tour across the UK and Europe – set to take place later this year. Find dates and ticket details below.Set to kick off this winter, the London-based band will travel across the UK and Ireland for the first leg of the 2024 tour, before making their way over to mainland Europe for the latter half of the new dates.The shows will launch with an opening night at the Cyprus Avenue venue in Cork on October 11, followed by a stop at the Telegraph Building in Belfast the following night.
An SNP MP has called for a ban on high street tanning salons to help reduce the number of Scots at risk from skin cancer.
Tess Daly left fans stunned as she was seen alongside her husband Vernon Kay as she said 'thanks for the memories'. The couple, who tied the knot in 2003 and celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary last year, revealed they've been soaking up the sun on an Easter break.
Anas Sarwar has promised a Labour government "will deliver the greatest transfer of wealth and power into the hands of working people”
An independence paper put together by the SNP-Green Government costed more than £10 per download.
Scottish taxpayers forked out more than £60,000 to “support” witnesses for the UK Covid Inquiry.
EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick has opened up about his battle with health anxiety and how therapy has been a significant aid for him. As the London Marathon approaches, the actor, known for his role as Jay on the hit BBC One series, is preparing to run for a cause that deeply affects his family.
Just days before its debut, Fallout looks to be assured a second season thanks to a $25 million tax credit from California.
The Scottish Greens will not stand aside in marginal seats to help the SNP at the upcoming general election, Patrick Harvie has insisted.
Stacey Solomon is poised to take the US by storm with her new show, thanks to a little help from Hollywood A-lister Reese Witherspoon.
Stacey Solomon is about to make her mark across the pond with her latest venture, a DIY show set to air on Channel 4 in the US. Renovation Rescue, produced by none other than Hollywood icon Reese Witherspoon’s company Hello Sunshine, has already generated buzz before its premiere. Stacey herself was pleasantly surprised when she learned of Reese's interest in her.
Labour has warned the Scottish Government "cannot be taken seriously" on mental health after funding for services was frozen in the recent Budget despite increasing demand.
An SNP minister has warned of "hysteria" gripping Scots over new hate crime laws after it emerged police received 3,000 complaints in just two days.