A candidate hoping to be the next First Minister has been slammed for launching his leadership campaign in West Dunbartonshire.
MSP Humza Yousaf was blasted as ‘delusional’ by MSP Jackie Baillie for launching his campaign in the region as West Dunbartonshire Council faces a record budget gap.
The Cabinet Secretary for Health is standing to succeed Nicola Sturgeon as First Minister of Scotland after she revealed earlier this month that she would be stepping down from the role.
He formally launched his campaign in West Dunbartonshire in front of a room of supporters, however, no local SNP councillors were present to show their support for the leadership candidate.
Labour-controlled West Dunbartonshire Council are set to meet this Wednesday (March 1) to set their budget for the next financial year.
However, Dumbarton MSP Jackie Baillie has slammed the potential First Minister for launching his campaign in the region.
She said: “Humza Yousaf was the justice secretary that trashed the justice system, the transport secretary that failed to improve Scotland’s infrastructure and he is the worst health secretary on record. Mr Yousaf’s level of self-confidence – or self-delusion – is almost impressive.
“Even during his appearance at Clydebank Town Hall to kick off his campaign, he failed to answer questions in public from the council leader, Martin Rooney about funding for the people of West Dunbartonshire as the council faces a £21million budget gap.
“If he cannot face up to this kind of public scrutiny and doesn’t have answers on how he is going to address these SNP-made problems, he is not fit to be First Minister.
“On top of that, thousands of Scots, including many people locally, who have lost loved ones due to Mr Yousaf’s hopeless stewardship of the NHS will be deeply offended by his attempt to use his terrible record as a springboard to the top job.
“Frankly, Humza Yousaf cannot be allowed to continue to fail upwards. Scotland deserves better than this out-of-touch minister who is badly out of his depth.”
Meanwhile, local politicians spoke out following Nicola Sturgeon’s resignation earlier this month.
The leader of West Dunbartonshire Council’s SNP group, Councillor Karen Conaghan, said the news didn’t come as a shock.
The Dumbarton member said: “I wasn’t particularly surprised to hear the news that Nicola Sturgeon was standing down as leader of the SNP and as First Minister.
“She has been a hugely influential figure on the political landscape over the past eight years and has led through the Covid-19 pandemic with clear commitment and very direct communication.
“Leading the country in these difficult circumstances undoubtedly has taken its toll, and I’m sure that has been a major part of her decision.
“I don’t think anyone can question Nicola’s drive and determination for an independent Scotland and I wish her all the best as she steps down from leadership.
“I look forward to seeing who takes up the challenge at leading our party and our parliament forward in the years to come.”
West Dunbartonshire MP Martin Docherty-Hughes added: “Nicola Sturgeon has led the country through unprecedented challenges.
“She has always done so with intelligence and compassion.
“Like many people across the country I’m sorry that Nicola has taken the difficult decision to step down. She has been an outstanding leader for the SNP – working tirelessly to stand up for the people of Scotland.
“In West Dunbartonshire Nicola Sturgeon has been an inspiration to many – not just as Scotland’s first female First Minister, but as a successful woman from a working-class background. I’m grateful for her dedication over the years to tackling inequality and improving the lives of my constituents.
“I look forward to what comes next, and building on Nicola’s legacy to secure a better, fairer future for our nation.”
Whilst Labour MSP for Dumbarton Jackie Baillie paid tribute to Ms Sturgeon’s leadership during the pandemic – but added that huge challenges lie ahead for her successor.
Ms Baillie said: “Both Nicola Sturgeon and I were elected to the Scottish Parliament in 1999 and I have watched her career in opposition and in government.
“As Scotland’s longest-serving First Minister she deserves our thanks for her public service, particularly during the pandemic.
“I join with the rest of my party in wishing her well for the future – whatever that may hold.
“Her successor has a tough job ahead as her legacy is one where the NHS is in crisis, educational attainment is going the wrong way and life expectancy has fallen and is now the worst in the UK.
“We need unity not continuing division in Scotland and we need fresh ideas and energy to tackle the big challenges ahead.
“The country is crying out for change, to tackle the cost-of-living crisis, to grow the economy and to recover our NHS. Scottish Labour is working hard to be the change that Scotland needs.”
