Talk of populist rise ‘preposterous’, says Findlay

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy John Swinney’s warning of a populist surge if his Government’s Budget is not agreed is “preposterous”, the leader of the Scottish Tories has said. But Scottish Conservatives leader Russell Findlay rubbished the claims, suggesting his party’s red lines are based on bringing down taxes, which are typically higher in Scotland than elsewhere in the UK for those who earn more. “This is actually responsible and sensible, and most people agree with that.” My colleague Craig Hoy has sat down with the Finance Secretary and attempted to put forward what we're proposing, which is very serious and credible and fully costed plans to reduce the tax burden on hard-working Scots Scottish Conservatives leader Russell Findlay Mr Findlay went on to criticise the First Minister’s engagement with his party in the Budget process. “My colleague Craig Hoy has sat down with the Finance Secretary and attempted to put forward what we’re proposing, which is very serious and credible and fully costed plans to reduce the tax burden on hard-working Scots.”