Darling: Taking aim at the Conservatives

Scotland's political parties have traded blows over the economy as the election campaign proper gets underway.

As Michael Howard headed north to launch his manifesto, Scotland secretary Alistair Darling slammed the Tories' economic policy.

"There is a clear contrast between Labour's investment and the Tories' boom and bust agenda of cuts for Scotland. I have written to the Conservatives, demanding that they explain in full where the Tory axe will fall," he said.

"Only Labour can be trusted with Scotland's economy, with a rising minimum wage and 100,000 Scots benefiting from the new deal.

"We cannot forget the thousands of Scots Michael Howard and the Tories put on the dole, with interest rates at 15 per cent."

More waste

But Howard said Labour meant "more waste and higher taxes" in Scotland and elsewhere.

The nationalists, meanwhile, mounted a full-on attack as the Conservatives set out their policies.

"Despite the tartan trimmings, the Tories remain a deeply anti-Scottish party," said Alex Salmond.

"Already in this campaign, British Tories have threatened to slash Scottish spending and attacked Scotland’s parliament.

"And we are still waiting for an apology after a front bench Tory said Scotland was an unattractive place."

Bookmaker William Hill is expecting the Conservatives to win a single seat in Scotland at the general election, offering 7/4 that they end up with just one MP.