Election 2021: Parties on campaign trail ahead of vote

All of Scotland’s main parties have been on the campaign trail ahead of the Holyrood elections in May.

On the day that the Scottish Conservatives revealed their manifesto, Scottish Liberal Democrats leader Willie Rennie has been urging Ruth Davidson backers to vote for his party as Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar pledges to tackle child poverty.

Meanwhile the SNP say they will create a ‘fan bank’ that will help football fans own a stake in their club and The Scottish Greens are calling for rent controls.

Calling on voters who backed former Scottish Conservatives leader at the last election Rennie said: “Many people backed Ruth Davidson at the last election because she promised what she described as a moderate and centrist platform with an open and optimistic outlook.

“I know many of these people are not attracted by the Conservative Party led by Douglas Ross and Boris Johnson.

“There is a home with my Liberal Democrats for all these people who now feel politically homeless because of the departure of Ruth Davidson.

“I oppose another independence referendum and am offering an open, optimistic vision for the country together with a platform that has a broad appeal.

“And it is Liberal Democrats wins in this election which could be the difference between the nationalists winning a majority or not. If Liberal Democrats win we can focus the parliament on recovery.”

Pledging to make child poverty a key priority, Sarwar said: “Scotland has the powers to tackle head-on the impact of child poverty.

“At this election, our national recovery plan has eradicating child poverty at its heart. That’s what I’m obsessed about.”

Co-leader of the Scottish Greens Lorna Slater said: “The SNP’s rent pressure zones have failed, it’s time for proper rent controls.

“We need a fair and green recovery from the pandemic and that starts with making sure everyone has a secure home.”

On setting up a “fan bank” the SNP said: “Sports clubs are a massive part of our communities – but too often, fans have watched powerlessly as neglectful owners damage those clubs.

“If re-elected, the SNP will set up a ‘Fan Bank’ to help fan groups get the capital to own a stake in their club.”

And at their manifesto launch, the Scottish Conservatives pledged to “rebuild Scotland” and stop another independence referendum.