Leaders hit the campaign trail

PARTY leaders have been in the region this week and last, helping their candidates as the election draws closer.

First Minister John Swinney was in Stranraer yesterday with SNP candidate for Galloway and West Dumfries, Emma Harper.

They held discussions on energy pricing and costs and Mr Swinney said: “The SNP wants to bring down people’s bills – and the other parties led by Reform want to stop us.

“I want people to vote for an SNP Government to get things done, bring down the cost of food, reduce the cost of the commute and expand support for childcare.

“That is the choice on the ballot paper one week from today – and by uniting behind the SNP, people in Scotland can stop Nigel Farage at the border.

“One week today, I am asking people to vote SNP for a government on Scotland’s side and for my reliable, trusted leadership that will support people with the cost of living.”

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Craig Hoy, left, with David Mundell MP and Russell Findlay at Smith's[/caption]

The day before, it was the turn of the Conservative candidate Craig Hoy to welcome his leader, Russell Findlay. They enjoyed a visit to Smith’s at Gretna Green, where Mr Findlay showed off his pint pouring prowess, before talks on business and tourism.

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Senga Beresford and Malcolm Offord at Dumfries[/caption]

Meanwhile, Reform Scotland’s leader Malcolm Offord has been in the area too, to help Galloway and West Dumfries hopeful Senga Beresford with her campaigning.

Mr Offord said: “What Reform UK is all about is work. We need to value work. It’s in the Scottish DNA to work. People think of the Scots as hard-working people. We need to get more of our population working, that’s very clear.

“We need to make work pay. We need to be in a situation where if you choose to work that you will always have more money in your pocket at the end of the week than if you don’t work.

“For those who can’t work genuinely, we’ll always look after them too. There will always be a welfare state to look after people who can’t but we have to encourage our people back into work.”