By STEWART PATERSON

Political Correspondent

THE SNP have failed to offer any alternative to the status quo, Jeremy Corbyn has said in a speech in Glasgow.

The Labour leader came to the city to address a party event with newly elected Scottish leader Richard Leonard.

Mr Corbyn attacked the Conservatives at Westminster on poverty and low wages but also singled out the SNP claiming Nicola sturgeon has failed to use her powers to help Scottish people.

Speaking at the Lighthouse in Glasgow he said a Labour government would increase incomes for millions of families.

Mr Corbyn said the Tories broke promises on the minimum wage.

He said: “Last week, the Chancellor admitted he now expects the National Living Wage will be just £8.56 per hour by 2020.

“Now we know the price of Tory failure for the low paid. The lowest paid workers will be £900 per year worse off in 2020 than promised.”

On the SNP he said: “The SNP government in Holyrood promised to stand up for the people of Scotland, but they have offered no real alternative to the status quo. They have failed to use their powers to stop cuts to Scotland’s public services, schools, hospitals and fire and rescue.”

Mr Leonard said he would bring a host of policy changes to the next Scottish Labour conference in Dundee in March.

He said he will produce plans on tax policy, housing, funding for local councils and extending public ownership.

Mr Leonard said: “Scottish Labour has a new unity of purpose.

“Scottish Labour has changed, and now we are determined to change Scotland.”

SNP politicians were less than impressed by Mr Leonard’s start as leader.

Ivan McKee, Glasgow Provan MSP said: “His promise to nationalise railways and energy are miles behind what the SNP are already doing in government, in fact, it was Labour who for years blocked us having the power to bring forward a public sector rail bid.

“Just like Jeremy Corbyn, Richard Leonard loves to rail against the SNP in one breath and then pinch our ideas in the next.”