The SNP would push through a vote of no confidence in the Conservatives and make Ed Miliband Prime Minister even if Labour failed to concede on any of the “red lines” laid out by the Nationalists’ leadership, Alex Salmond has revealed.
The statement came to light on the day David Cameron claimed the former First Minister had taken the entire Labour Party “hostage” as general election rhetoric heated up.
Speaking in the final PMQs session of the Parliament, the Tory leader was asked if he was alarmed by the potential demands on the UK Government by Mr Salmond.
Mr Cameron said: “As far as I can see, Alex Salmond has taken the entire Labour Party hostage and today, we have got the ransom note.
“And the ransom note is very clear. It says higher borrowing, uncontrolled immigration, unfettered welfare, higher taxes and weaker defence. That’s what is being demanded and the British people have only one way of saying no to this appalling hostage situation and that is to vote Conservative on May 7.”
In an interview with the Spectator magazine, the former SNP leader confirmed he would vote to “lock (Mr Cameron) out of Downing Street” irrespective of whether a formal deal had been struck with Labour.
With polls predicting the SNP could increase its representation at Westminster from six to 40 or more, the SNP could be crucial in the forming of a government if there is no majority.
As SNP MPs tugged at their suit jackets, in reference to a Conservative campaign advert portraying Ed Miliband as being inside Mr Salmond’s top pocket, the Prime Minister then claimed the Nationalists were using the Labour leader.
Addressing Mr Miliband, the Prime Minister told Westminster: “I’m looking at Alex Salmond’s poodle.”
A No 10 insider said: “This is taking the electorate for granted by arrogantly assuming he is going to win.
“Not only does it show he’s driving Labour, it shows he’s still the back seat driver for the SNP.”
A Scottish Labour spokesman said: “This is a case of the emperor’s new clothes. Alex Salmond has ruled out confidence and supply.”
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “The SNP is a team. I’m the leader of the SNP, I’m leading the SNP campaign.
“But perhaps what scares the life out of the Westminster establishment parties is that the SNP is a team of people committed to representing Scotland’s interests.”