Jeremy Corbyn to rule out election deal with SNP

Jeremy Corbyn - credit PA

Jeremy Corbyn will this week rule out an electoral pact with the SNP, Neil Findlay MSP has claimed.

Findlay, who is a key ally of Corbyn and directs the campaign to re-elect him as Labour leader in Scotland, said there would be "no prospect" of a deal with the SNP at Westminster.

The remarks follow a row stemming from comments by Shadow Scottish Secretary Dave Anderson, who suggested Labour "“may well have to consider” a tie-up with Nicola Sturgeon’s party ahead of the next election if it meant keeping the Conservatives out of power.

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Corbyn is visiting Scotland later this week for a hustings debate with leadership rival Owen Smith in Glasgow, followed by speeches in Dundee and Edinburgh.

Findlay said: “There will be no progressive alliance with the SNP and I’m expecting Jeremy Corbyn to rule that out this week."

The SNP's record on cuts to local government in Scotland was the central reason, Findlay added.

“I don’t think the SNP will be able to take any comfort from a Jeremy Corbyn victory. It will be made clear there will be no progressive alliance with the SNP.

“The SNP does not act progressively in government, but seeks to talk progressively at Westminster where it has no power. Providing a credible radical alternative to nationalism is what Jeremy is all about."