Swinney says Tory criticism of Keir Starmer wanting 'family time' is 'disgusting'

John Swinney has hit out after a number of Tories criticised Sir Keir Starmer’s desire to spend time with his family if he becomes prime minister.

Sir Keir said this week he will aim to ensure he is free of official business on Friday evenings to spend them with loved ones, but the comments were criticised by some Conservative officials.

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In a nod to the Labour leader’s comments, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said being in Number 10 “entails sacrifice”, while former PM Boris Johnson joked at an event that it was “way past Keir Starmer’s bedtime”.

(Image: Image: PA)

While Starmer said the attacks were “laughably ridiculous”, Scotland's First Minister labelled them as "disgusting".

He told the PA news agency: “I think the Tory attack is just disgusting, to be honest.

“Politics is a 24/7 business, if you’re a political leader you’ve got to be available to deal with decisions, and I’m pretty certain that Keir Starmer, if he is prime minister, will be available to take decisions.”

Mr Swinney – whose son joined him on the campaign trail in Lanarkshire on Wednesday with less than 24 hours before polls open – added: “A politician should not be criticised for wanting to spend time with their loved ones and make sure they’ve got a good, strong, family relationship.

“That is precious to every one of us, no matter our politics, and for the Conservatives to make an issue of that tells us all we need to know about the Conservatives.”

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It comes after we revealed on Wednesday that Labour has slipped behind the SNP just days before election day, according to a new poll.

A survey by Savanta suggests 31% of Scots could vote Labour on Thursday, while support for the SNP is unchanged at 34%.

It means Labour have dropped three points since the last poll in June.