Swinney delight as Labour won't block 'tax and spending' budget

THE First Minister has acknowledged the SNP budget is set to sail through Holyrood - thanks to Scottish Labour.

- BY BEN BORLAND

Sure thing... John Swinney, left, and Shona Robison will get their budget rubber-stamped by Holyrood

Anas Sarwar has said his MSPs won't block the final round of tax and spending plans for this parliament, to be unveiled today.

The Labour leader hopes to replace John Swinney in Bute House in May so he can axe the SNP's budget, to be replaced with an emergency one of his own.

But in the short-term, it means all hopes of forcing the Nats to agree to a deal are out of the window.

Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay set out a list of his key demands, including income tax cuts, business rates relief and emergency funding for colleges.

He said: "It is critical that John Swinney starts listening and gives people a much-needed break."