Poynton attends Sarwar speech and calls for Swinney to debate SNP record in West Lothian
Livingston constituency MP Gregor Poynton was in attendance at Anas Sarwar’s New Year speech earlier today, as the Scottish Labour leader set out his priorities ahead of May’s Holyrood election and challenged the SNP’s record after almost two decades in power.
ExCo
With four months to go until polling day, Mr Sarwar described the election as a decisive moment for Scotland, arguing voters face a clear choice between a third decade of SNP government under John Swinney or new leadership with Scottish Labour.
Following the speech, Mr Poynton said Anas Sarwar had set out clear priorities focused on fixing public services, strengthening the economy and restoring trust in politics, priorities that matter to families across West Lothian.
Gregor Poynton MP said:
“Anas Sarwar has set out a clear and serious plan for Scotland, focused on fixing the NHS, raising standards in education, and making sure communities like ours are no longer taken for granted.
“After nearly twenty years of SNP government, people in West Lothian can see the consequences of failure and drift. From pressures at St John’s Hospital to the ongoing failure to deliver a new East Calder medical centre, too many promises here have simply not been kept.”
Mr Poynton also challenged First Minister John Swinney and the SNP to take part in regional head-to-head election debates, arguing that voters deserve to hear directly from those seeking to lead Scotland, particularly as West Lothian moves into a new Holyrood electoral region for the first time.
He added:
“For the first time in the history of the Scottish Parliament, West Lothian will move out of the Lothian region and into a new Central Scotland and Lothians West region. That change should be reflected in this election campaign.
“If John Swinney is serious about asking people for another term in office, he should be willing to debate his record directly with Anas Sarwar and that debate should take place here in West Lothian.
“Local people deserve answers on the failure to properly invest in St John’s Hospital, the chaos of the 8am rush for GP appointments, rising antisocial behaviour, the illegal use of off-road bikes and fireworks, and years of underinvestment in apprenticeships and Scotland’s college sector including West Lothian College.”
Jordan Stokoe, Scottish Labour candidate for Almond Valley, said:
“People in Almond Valley feel the impact of this SNP government’s failure every day, whether it’s struggling to get a GP appointment, concerns about antisocial behaviour, the lack of affordable and social housing, or young people missing out on opportunities. A head-to-head debate in West Lothian would give local voters the answers they deserve.”
Jenny Young, Scottish Labour candidate for Bathgate, said:
“This election is about whether we accept more of the same or demand better. West Lothian and the Bathgate constituency has been promised action for years, from healthcare to skills and apprenticeships, but too often those promises have not been delivered. A debate here would shine a light on the SNP's abysmal record.”
Scottish Labour has said the May election represents a clear choice between continued SNP failure or a new direction for Scotland under Anas Sarwar’s leadership as First Minister.