SNP MSP Keith Brown has hit-out at Scottish Labour MSP Dr Richard Simpson after representatives voted on the budget in parliament yesterday.

The SNP MSP for Clackmannanshire & Dunblane demanded Dr Simpson, Mid-Scotland & Fife representative, explains why he sided with the Tories in voting against the Budget (Scotland) Bill in the Scottish Parliament.

Mr Brown said Dr Simpson must tell the people of Clackmannanshire why he voted against a living wage for care workers and an extra £80million of investment for tackling the attainment gap.

He explained: “This is a budget which delivers funding for Clackmannanshire Council to deliver the living wage to local care workers and which invests even more in tackling the attainment gap between rich and poor in our schools – and the idea that Richard Simpson would join with the Tories to vote against these progressive measures simply beggars belief.

“With care workers and children from deprived backgrounds in communities across Clackmannanshire set to benefit from this Budget – Richard Simpson will have to answer to people in Clackmannanshire for his decision.

“It’s clear that Labour aren’t remotely interested in doing what’s best for Clackmannanshire – they’re far more concerned with launching failing party political attacks against the SNP and trumpeting their unworkable, bag of a fag packet policies which they have absolutely no intention of delivering.

“In contrast, the SNP in government is getting on with the job of delivering for Scotland – with a budget protecting public services in the face of Tory austerity, making our country fairer by tackling the attainment gap, and delivering a pay-rise for low-paid workers rather than a tax-rise.

“With the election just weeks away, this is a budget the SNP can be proud to stand on – and Richard Simpson will have to explain his decision to once again stand side by side with the Tories.”

MSP Dr Richard Simpson has since responded, read his comments here.