SNP ‘will never put Tories into government’ says First Minister

With just 40 days to go until the UK goes to the polls, First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon has stated that her party will never put the Conservatives into power. Speaking during the SNP Conference in Glasgow on Saturday, she urged Labour leader, Ed Miliband, to work with the nationalist parties around the UK to ensure David Cameron doesn't return to power.

Polls are indicating that the SNP could hold the balance of power at the election as they look set to take up to 50 seats at Westminster.

The party has enjoyed a boost in popularity since the Scotland Independence vote last September. The party now has over 100,000 members.

Addressing SNP members in Glasgow, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon laid out her plans to take on Westminster and promised to shake up establishment. "The only way for Scotland to shake up the Westminster establishment is to vote SNP," Sturgeon said and vowed to never help David Cameron and the Conservatives into Number 10.

The Conservatives have claimed that Labour leader Ed Miliband would be in the pocket Alex Salmond. The former First Minister resigned as SNP leader after failing to win the independence vote last September.

Ed Miliband responded to the claims by ruling out a coalition with the SNP. He didn't however rule out a 'confidence and supply' agreement, which would see the SNP backing a minority Labour government on a case by case basis.

The election on 7th May is expected to be the closest in decades and will most likely end up with another hung parliament. Nicola Sturgeon will take to the stage next Thursday as she debates with David Cameron and the other main political parties. Sturgeon said at the conference that a positive change is needed at Westminster and promised the nations in the UK that she stands ready to help make that change.

Sturgeon announced that she would abolish the House of Lords, pointing out that peers are paid for simply just "showing up." The First Minister announced that she would extend the Education Maintenance Allowance to 10,000 additional pupils, make available an extra £20 million over 3 years to tackle violence against women and back an increase in the minimum wage, taking it to £8.70 by 2020.

Overall she vowed to have the interests of the Scottish people at number one in her list of priorities if called upon to help the main parties in Westminster. "We will stand up for Scotland's interests, without fear or favour, " she said, adding: "We will use our influence to call a halt to austerity, protect our NHS."