Local services 'not safe' in Tory hands - Kezia Dugdale

Kezia Dugdale: Picture credit - Iain Gray MSP/Twitter

Local services are 'not safe' in Tory hands, according to Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale.

She will be joined by deputy leader and campaign manager Alex Rowley to launch the party's council election campaign in Edinburgh later today.

Dugdale will say that growing anger over the Tories' ‘rape clause’ shows the party is not fit to run Scotland’s town halls.

She is expected to say: “Voting in this election isn’t a protest vote. Your vote in this election really matters.

“If you vote for the Tories, you are voting for them to be in power - to take control of your council services.

“Not to be in opposition or to protest against independence.

“So, before you vote, think about whether you want a Tory in charge of elderly care, social services and schools.

“This is a party itching to cut even more money from our valued public services.

“If we need any reminder of what Tories do in power, just look at what happened last week.

“Ruth Davidson – who we were told was a different type of Tory – stood up and took a stand, not against poverty or injustice or the mistreatment of someone but to justify the abhorrent rape clause.

“That should tell you everything you need to know about the Tories: not modern; not forward looking; not compassionate; and desperate to hide their true colours.

“That’s Ruth Davidson’s Conservatives – ruthless. Local services will not be safe in their hands.”