SNP by-election candidate accuses Labour Government of 'balancing the books' on backs of poor
In a wide-ranging interview, Katy Loudon also spoke about assisted dying and controversial plans by the SNP Government in Lanarkshire for the NHS.
The SNP candidate in the Hamilton by-election has accused the Labour government of 'balancing the books' on the backs of the poor.
Wannabe MSP Katy Loudon blasted Labour over cuts to winter fuel payments and disability benefits, accusing her Labour rival of silence.
The 45 year old also revealed she would have voted for the assisted dying bill debated by MSPs this week.
Voters in Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse will choose a new MSP on June 5th in a by-election triggered by the death of the SNP's Christina McKelvie.
The SNP are defending a majority of over 4,500, with Labour fighting to win and Reform UK expected to poll well.
In an interview with Daily Record' s Planet Holyrood podcast, Loudon said the performance of the Labour Government is a key issue on the doors.
The mum of two said of voter reaction to the cuts pushed through by Labour and rising energy bills:
'They are angry. They remember getting leaflets through at the general election in this constituency, telling them that they would save £300 from their energy bills. Instead their energy bills have gone up three times.'
She wants a BBC head to head with fellow candidates, including Labour's Davy Russell, but accused him of keeping his head down:
'It is incumbent on him to tell the people of this constituency what his views are on the many important issues of the day.'
Loudon also said she had 'not heard a single word' from Russell on issues like Labour's national insurance rises.
However, the SNP candidate is also facing scrutiny of her position on difficult local issues.
The SNP Government is under pressure from Labour and campaigners over plans to downgrade a neonatal intensive care unit in Wishaw.
Loudon appeared to side with the Government: 'Fundamentally, the science, the experts, the medical research, tells us the best outcomes for these children, which will affect them for the rest of their life - these very small and sick babies - is to have them in a specialist centre. And as a parent that's what I would want for my child.'
She added: 'I will listen to the expertise of people who have made those medical judgements and who have advised the Scottish Government on what is the best thing to do here.
'The best thing to do is to have a specialist centre …when you are dealing with something which is affecting such a small subset then that's what I would want for my own child.'
Loudon also rejected Labour criticism of her not living in the constituency: 'I find some of it hilarious. It's been written by people that have no knowledge of my history.'
She continued: 'I have been married for nearly 20 years now. My husband is from Hamilton. I know this area extremely well. I have family in Hamilton. It is a second home to me. My children have grown up running up and down the slopes in Chatelherault park. It's a ridiculous statement to make.'
MSPs backed the general principles of a bill this week that would legalise assisted dying, with a final vote later this year.
Loudon said she would have voted in favour on Tuesday, but noted that she would need 'further reassurances' to remain a yes.
Scottish Labour deputy leader Jackie Baillie said: 'Katy Loudon wants to talk about anything except the SNP government's woeful record in government.
'The UK Labour government has put a decisive end to Tory austerity, delivered a pay rise for 200,000 of the lowest paid Scots, set up GB energy, and legislated for the biggest boost to workers' rights in a generation – but this is a Scottish Parliament by-election.
'People right across Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse are feeling the effects of SNP incompetence – from overstretched NHS services to struggling high streets.
'Katy Loudon has made it clear time and time again that she will not stand up to this failing SNP government and demand better for this community. In fact she voted against an £8million investment in Hamilton town centre.
'This by-election is a chance to call time on SNP failure and vote for a new direction by backing Scottish Labour and Davy Russell.'
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