You shouldn't be asking for votes..you should beg Scotland for forgiveness

Sarwar launches a blistering attack on Scots Tory leader Ross over damage his party has done to the country

- PAUL HUTCHEON and CHRIS McCALL

SCOTTISH Labour leader Anas Sarwar has told hapless Douglas Ross he should be "begging for forgiveness" for the damage caused by the Tories.

Sarwar blasted the Scottish Tory leader over Partygate, Covid contracts for cronies and the disastrous Liz Truss budget during a feisty general election TV debate.

He said: "You shouldn't be pleading for votes, you should be begging for forgiveness from the Scottish people." He also accused SNP leader John Swinney of being the "architect of austerity" during the STV standoff.

The war of words took place during a Scottish leaders debate ahead of next month's election, which also included Scottish Lib Dem leader Alex Cole-Hamilton.

Polls show the SNP in line to lose key seats to Labour on July 4 and the debate was marked by clashes between Sarwar and Swinney.

In one section, Swinney tried to taunt Sarwar by claiming Labour would cut spending by tens of billions of pounds and continue austerity.