I'll still have Labour rebel as minister in my team

Sarwar insists Mochan won't face action after slamming 'austerity'

- CRAIG MEIGHAN

ANAS Sarwar has said one of his MSPs would still serve in his government team if he wins next year's election, despite a public disagreement over labelling UK benefit cuts “austerity”.

Carol Mochan, Labour's public health spokeswoman, described the UK Government's proposed £5billion worth of welfare cuts as “austerity”.

She warned her party not to balance the books “on the back” of those most in need of help.

But Sarwar, the party's leader north of the Border, said he supports the benefits overhaul, which he has denied amounted to “cuts” at all.