'AFTER recent defections by Tory MPs and then last week's by-election victory by Ukip, David Cameron is becoming decidedly anxious about his prospects at the general election in May.

So he should be.

As the weekend opinion polls again showed, it is looking increasingly likely that Labour will drive the Tories from power and return to government in seven months' time.

An incoming Labour government will freeze gas and electricity bills, abolish the bedroom tax, offer real support to young people to get a job or an apprenticeship - in part funded by taxing bankers' bonuses, promote the Living Wage, increase the minimum wage to £8 per hour and get rid of exploitative zero-hours contracts.

People want action from politicians in Westminster and Holyrood, not excuses. We need those we elect to use the powers we give them to address the issues that matter - jobs, childcare, and quality public services. Otherwise, what's the point of them?

Scottish Labour Leader Johann Lamont has announced radical proposals to cap childcare costs, and introduce a free childcare place for every mum who wants to go to college. This will give them the opportunity to develop new skills, get a job and so improve the quality of life for themselves and their children.

All working parents know only too well how hard it is to find affordable childcare. Recent research has shown that it can cost up to £650 per month -a major barrier to getting parents into work. Capping the costs of childcare will be warmly welcomed by all working parents who deserve a bit of support at an important and financially challenging time in their lives.

Scottish Labour's proposal is costed, realistic and ambitious. We can't currently make all childcare free, but the Scottish Government can act to make it affordable. Doing so will assist families who are working hard to raise their children and will boost the economy at the same time.

Then on Thursday the Scottish Government's budget replaced stamp duty for home buyers, using new powers that have recently transferred to the Scottish Parliament. Whatever you think of the details of the proposal, the fact that this is the first new tax introduced in Scotland in 300 years has been widely welcomed.

Even before further extensive powers are devolved from Westminster to Scotland, Holyrood already has the ability to make a real difference.

So let's have a bit less whinging about what can't be done, and a bit more action to make life easier for the people that politicians are elected to serve.

And let's kick out the Tories in May and elect a Labour government that will help those who are struggling with the cost of living rather than protecting the interests of the wealthy minority.

I think those are things most of us would welcome.