Darling: Leading Scottish Labour campaign

Labour's election campaign in Scotland has focused on bread and butter issues, including the minimum wage.

In contrast to the latest nationalist, Conservative and Liberal Democrat assault on Iraq, Scotland secretary Alistair Darling was set to flag up Labour's policies for the low paid.

Darling, who is leading the government's re-election campaign north of the border, highlighted the minimum wage, which is set to rise above £5 per hour in a Labour third term.

He also welcomed other initiatives such as tax credits at a visit to a cash and carry shop in Glasgow.

With many English election issues devolved to the Edinburgh parliament, Labour's campaign has been heavily targeted on the economy.

Darling said a Conservative administration in Westminster would seek to reverse many of the initiatives benefiting workers.

"The minimum wage has delivered a pay increase for 140,000 Scots," he said ahead of the visit.

"Those people will see their pay rise to £5.05 an hour in October 2005 and £5.35 in October 2006.

"That pay rise will be at risk if the Tories win on May 5."