A PROMINENT SNP politician has launched a stinging attack on Tory MSP Liz Smith, accusing her of lacking ambition.

Perth MSP Roseanna Cunningham hit out in a bid to defend her party’s plan to lower primary school class sizes.

Ms Smith had insisted the flagship policy would leave Scottish councils facing multi-million pound black holes.

The Mid Scotland and Fife MSP said the proposal to limit class sizes would put too much pressure on teaching staff and lead to a slashing of vital resources in other areas of the primary school curriculum.

Ms Smith claimed Perth and Kinross Council would be among the hardest hit and could be forced to recruit 19 extra teachers—with an additional bill of almost £750,000.

However, Ms Cunningham yesterday accused the Tory of “sniping from the sidelines” and insisted smaller class sizes would have numerous benefits, including a reduction in anti-social behaviour.

“The SNP have high ambitions for Scotland and among those ambitions is the determination to significantly reduce class sizes in the early years of primary school,” she said.

“Smaller classes mean more individual attention for every pupil.

“They provide the foundations for a better education, happier and more confident pupils, and can have a huge impact in reducing anti-social behaviour in later years.

“The education of our young people is immensely important and I have no time for those who lack ambition and are prepared only to snipe from the sidelines,” she commented.

“Of course extra teachers and more classrooms will be required to deliver these smaller class sizes.

“I cannot imagine anyone will be surprised at that.

“This is about priorities and the point is that if you invest in our youngsters at an early age the benefits will follow them throughout their lives.”

Ms Cunningham added that she was sure the policy could be successfully implemented throughout the country.