Leader of Scottish Labour Anas Sarwar says he felt a "bubbling frustration" from residents over the cost of living crisis during his visit to Hamilton.
The MSP was in Lanarkshire on Friday speaking to a number of locals about the issues that mattered most to them ahead of the local council elections in May.
People told of how they want to see more done for their community after a difficult couple of years have left residents worrying about bills and the financial strains of the pandemic.
Mr Sarwar, who has family in South Lanarkshire, said there was a lot of positivity during his visit on Friday, March 18.
He told Lanarkshire Live : "Since being elected as Leader of the Scottish Labour Party just over a year ago, I have been determined to travel across Scotland and meet people from all walks of life.
"I’ve visited communities across South Lanarkshire many times and have to say that this area has been one of the most welcoming and positive places I have had the pleasure of visiting."
And speaking of the current cost of living crisis, the Scottish Labour leader added: "Like everywhere across Scotland, the cost of living crisis was at the forefront of people’s minds.
"Everyone is worried about the next bill landing on their doormat or the next time they have to go to a petrol pump. People want to see their politicians wake up and take meaningful action. There’s a feeling of bubbling frustration.
"This has an impact upon people’s views of local politics as well. Locals told me that they want to see more investment in community groups, a proper plan for struggling high streets and cheaper public transport.
"I think there’s a feeling that the community deserves more than it is getting at the moment and with a proper boost to investment, local people could achieve even more.
"The cost of living is now the major issue in most people’s everyday lives. From getting the shopping, to paying your energy bills, to putting fuel in the car- this is a major crisis and both the SNP and Conservatives have no idea what to do.
"Scottish Labour have a detailed and costed plan to deal with this crisis. If we implement a one-off windfall tax on the oil and gas giants, some of whom are making billions in profits for shareholders, we could save people up to £600 on their bills."
Mr Sarwar also explained that he thinks people are right to feel frustrated over the current cost of living situation.
But overall, the politician believes his visit was a success as he looks forward to seeing local candidates stand to be elected as councillors in South Lanarkshire.
He explained: "Scotland is full of potential and the best way to unlock that is by listening to the ideas of local people, hearing about the issues facing their communities first hand, and understanding the change they want to see.
"The local elections are a chance to vote for who you want to represent you at a local level. They are about who you trust the most with local services, transport, social care and education.
"Scottish Labour are standing candidates who are from the area and grew up locally. I am proud that we have candidates who are carers and teachers- people who know their communities inside out and are keen to get things done.
"In South Lanarkshire, Scottish Labour want to use local council spending to stimulate new jobs, refresh the high street, invest in roads and boost essential services. We want to bring a new, youthful energy to local politics."
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