HUMZA YOUSAF claimed the SNP can deliver a “Tory-free Scotland” today as he launched his party’s general election campaign.

Speaking at the Oran Mor, in Glasgow’s West End, the First Minister sought to reassure party faithful after a year which has seen open dissent over independence strategy, an embarrassing police investigation into party finances and a by-election defeat to Labour.

Mr Yousaf pledged to pursue conference policy and open negotiations “to give democratic effect to Scotland becoming an independent country” if the party wins a majority of Scottish seats. He went on to argue that only the SNP can win Tory seats in Scotland.

Mr Yousaf said: “Let’s be absolutely clear here: Rishi Sunak is finished. The Tories are done — thank goodness.

“The damage they have caused to Scotland is unforgivable and this year we must take the opportunity to kick them out of Scotland completely.

“The SNP is by far the best-placed party to do that.

“In every Tory-held seat in Scotland, we are the party in second place.

“Today I am setting an ambition for the SNP to wipe the Tories from Scotland’s electoral map by winning all six of those Tory seats.

“That is a big ask, but I don’t believe you go into elections unless you are willing to be ambitious.

“So, to people right across the country, our message will be very clear. Vote SNP for a Tory-free Scotland.”

He said voting for the SNP in the general election would also ensure Scotland is not “ignored” by Sir Keir Starmer, who he predicted would be the next prime minister, when he moves into Downing Street.

The SNP leader said it is “very clear now” that Sir Keir will be the next prime minister.

Mr Yousaf said: “Keir Starmer doesn’t need Scotland to win the election.

“Scotland needs SNP MPs to make sure that we are not ignored and that Scotland’s voice is heard.”

Scottish Labour deputy leader Jackie Baillie said: “While the SNP is posturing about kicking the Tories out of Scotland, Labour is getting ready to kick it out of government.

“The SNP is desperately scrambling for relevance at the next election but voters face a straightforward choice — more chaos and decline with a Tory government or a fresh start with a Labour one.”