Has there been any change for the better since Labour’s return to power?

A government so young should not have fallen so low in the public's estimations so soon nor should a government that made the electoral promises it did need to be continually criticised in columns like this one over their failures to meet those promises.

But, here we are again.

We’re only nine months into Labour rule from Westminster but it may as well have been nine years given how far away we seem from the era of ‘change’ and growth we were promised.

Far from either of those things, our economy continues to languish as we face the ever-compounding consequences of Brexit - a decision Starmer once opposed but now champions.

And as far as change goes, they’d be as well sticking the word ‘NO’ in front of it, with their latest welfare reforms going further than even the Tories dared to in their long and punishing austerity campaign started by David Cameron and George Osbourne.

Nine months in and, for the third time, energy bills are rising.

Where Starmer promised to cut them by £300 per year, he has instead overseen their increase by nearly £300 per year.

This is particularly grim news for folk here who have to endure the coldest winters, and the highest bills, in the country.

Happy to pose for photos with the WASPI women before the election, seemingly even happier to cast them aside in government.

It’s little wonder now electoral polling maps look so grim for Labour and a new surge in support for the SNP that, if put to the polls now, would almost certainly see John Swinney elected as First Minister.

That’s why my SNP colleagues and I have been campaigning so hard recently because nothing can be taken for granted.

Not electoral support, and certainly not promises from a Labour Party that has abandoned its founding principles and support for the most vulnerable.

The alternative we’ve been taking to the doorsteps is one of a fairer society where we treat the most vulnerable and those falling into hard times with dignity, fairness, and respect - the founding principles of Scotland’s Social Security Service.

It’s why we’re championing our renewable energy successes and our potential to not just drive investment and jobs into areas like this but seriously cut energy bills far more than Labour ever promised to.

It’s why, in Parliament, we’ve championed the case of the WASPI women and have brought votes before the House to force Labour to do the right thing.

Where Labour is failing, the SNP is succeeding in standing up for what matters most to people here - making me immensely proud of my team and my colleagues.

Graham Leadbitter (SNP) is MP for Moray West, Nairn & Strathspey.

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