Swinney plans political stunt at charity which had funding cut by SNP government
SUNDAY MAIL EXCLUSIVE: The First Minister's by-election blunder has been called hypocritical by Labour
JOHN Swinney has been accused of 'rank hypocrisy' for planning a photo shoot at a charity that had its funding slashed by the government.
Ahead of the Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse by-election, the First Minister is due to go to Juniors in Hamilton tomorrow to campaign and speak to media.
But the child poverty charity had its funding cut in 2023 and has had to fight to stay open ever since.
Juniors helps thousands of single parents and disadvantaged families, runs a foodbank, clothing bank, benefits and money advice services as well as running a play cafe.
They fundraised privately and even managed to get their 'Kindness cookies' and coffee on sale in Asda stores to help them keep going.
Swinney's by-election blunder has been criticsed by Labour deputy leader Jackie Baillie, who said: 'People will see this for what it is - rank hypocrisy.
'The SNP slashed funding for this group and now they want to use them as a political prop.'
The veteran MSP said voters would 'get a chance to call time on SNP failure and choose a new direction' with her party when they take to the polls on Thursday.
She said: 'We can see the consequences of SNP incompetence right across this community – people languishing on NHS waiting lists, high street shops struggling to stay open, and kids not getting the education they deserve.'
An SNP spokeswoman said SNP councillors in South Lanarkshire had proposed funding for charities in the budget this year but blamed Labour councillors for voting against it.
She said the government was "providing certainty to charities through the new multi-year fairer funding pilot" and said grants and food payments had helped 20,855 families in South Lanarkshire.
She said: "The First Minister's top priority in government is eradicating child poverty, and we will continue to work towards that goal."
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