Anas Sarwar starts the election year with reminder to voters

In a speech in Edinburgh on Monday Scottish Labour leader, Anas Sarwar, will remind voters that it is four months to the election.

He is also set to remind them that their choice at this “decisive moment for Scotland” is between John Swinney as First Minister, or Anas Sarwar who is the only other candidate explicitly standing for the role.

Mr Sarwar is expected to say: “We are embarking upon one of the most consequential years in Scotland’s history.

“A year in which we have the opportunity to change the government in Scotland for the first time in almost 20 years – and let me be clear from the outset, that is exactly what I intend to do.

“In May, you’re not choosing a Prime Minister – you’re choosing a First Minister. And ultimately, there are only two options: another decade of the SNP with John Swinney, or change with me as First Minister. I get that as Scottish Labour we start this year as underdogs.

“But to John Swinney and anyone else who says we can’t win – whether they be other politicians, journalists, commentators or pollsters – underestimate me, underestimate the people in this room, underestimate thousands across the country at your peril. I am not daunted by the challenge – we are up for the fight and we are determined to win.”

Mr Sarwar will say that Scotland’s choice is about the future of public services and the opportunities available to young people and families, arguing the SNP has “had their chance” after nearly two decades in office.

He will add: “This election is about our schools, our hospitals, our care homes. It’s about our colleges, our universities, our towns, our cities, our villages, our islands.It’s about our young people, their opportunities, and our families – this election is about our country Scotland.

“In a Scotland where there are nearly 850,000 waits for NHS tests and treatment, ‘more of the same’ is not enough.

“And it’s not enough where one in six of our young people are out of work and education. The SNP have had their chance. They’ve had nearly 20 years. They blew it. So as First Minister I’m offering competence, but I’m also offering change. I refuse to accept that this is as good as it gets.

“Our economy can be better than this. Our public services can be better than this. Our politics can be better than this – Scotland can be better than this.”