NICOLA STURGEON declared that “only the SNP is strong enough to keep the Tories in check” as she unveiled her party’s general election manifesto yesterday.

Speaking at the launch in Perth, the SNP leader revealed her party’s plans to protect the triple lock on pensions, free up an extra £118 billion to invest in public services and review the 1 per cent public-sector pay cap.

She also said her party’s MPs would support the 50p tax rate for those earning £150,000 or more, despite voting against the proposal in the Scottish Parliament.