THE NEWEST member of the Conservative party has defended her decision to leave her Labour roots.

Faten Hameed, the Labour candidate for Glasgow Central in the last two general elections, announced the decision to leave Labour on Saturday, citing the party’s reluctance to fight the SNP’s attempts to divide the country as her reason.

For 12 years Ms Hameed has been chairwoman of the Scottish Iraqi Association and has a keen interest in empowering local communities, promoting opportunities for young people, and supporting businesses in Glasgow.

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Speaking about her decision she said: “It saddens me to say that Labour have given up on defending Scotland’s place in the United Kingdom. I can’t stand by while the SNP destroy our country and Labour let them do it.

“I have spent the majority of my life standing up for the voiceless in our city and country but have watched as countless political parties have taken the support of my community and so many others for granted.

“The Scottish Conservatives have shown they are the real party of blue collar workers in Scotland and I can’t wait to play my role in reshaping Scotland and defeating the SNP whilst standing up for my community and championing business.

“I leave many friends behind but I urge them to follow me and join the Scottish Conservatives to help us stop the SNP in 2021. That’s what is most important – winning back Scotland from the nationalists.”

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Leader of Glasgow Conservative party Thomas Kerr said the former Labour member would be a great asset to the Tories

He said: “I’ve known Faten now for a number of years. She will be a great an asset to the Scottish Conservatives and our cause in Scotland.

“Faten joining the Scottish Conservatives shows that we are the only party standing up for the United Kingdom and standing up to the SNP.

“We have a tough fight ahead but we’re confident because Scotland has had enough of nationalists ignoring their day job.

“I would encourage any former Labour voters and members to give the Scottish Conservatives a second look. If you want to stop the SNP in 2021, come and join us.”