Sarwar condemns ‘classist’ attacks against Labour by-election candidate

Anas Sarwar has insisted it is “utterly despicable” that his party’s candidate for a Holyrood by-election next month has been subjected to “classist” attacks.

Mr Sarwar said Davy Russell, who is fighting the Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse seat for Scottish Labour, has been criticised for the way he talks.

He said Mr Russell simply “talks like someone from this part of Lanarkshire”, and cautioned that those “making disparaging comments about him are also saying bad things about people who live in this community”.

Mr Sarwar said: “What I find utterly despicable, I have seen disparaging comments, I have seen classist comments from some people talking about the way he talks or the way he acts.

“He (Mr Russell) is from this community, he cares about this community, he is fighting to deliver for this community.

“That is why he will be a first class member of the Scottish Parliament.”

SNP candidate for the seat Katy Loudon has already accused Labour of “dragging their heels” over a possible TV debate ahead of the June 5 by-election, which is taking place following the death of Scottish Government minister Christina McKelvie.

Ms Loudon claimed: “Davy Russell is either scared to defend his party’s record or he’s being hidden from media scrutiny by the Labour Party.”

Mr Sarwar indicated there had been “back and forth discussions” with broadcasters over a possible debate.

But he added: “Our candidate is where he should be, out on the streets in Hamilton Larkhall and Stonehouse, his community.

“He is talking to his neighbours about how to deliver a better future for Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse and help pave the way for a new direction for Scotland.”

Campaigning in the area on Friday, the Scottish Labour leader said that Mr Russell is “focused on talking to local people”, adding: “He’s from here, he is for here, he will deliver for here.”