ANAS SARWAR vowed today to follow US President Donald Trump’s lead by setting up a department of government efficiency should he win the keys to Bute House in next year’s Holyrood election.

In an hour-long speech that included promises to cut the number of Scotland’s health boards from 14 to just three, slash taxes for small businesses, end rough sleeping and create a new “Amazon tax,” Mr Sarwar urged delegates at the Scottish Labour conference and the country’s voters to reject “SNP poverty of ambition” and “managed decline” and instead embrace a “new direction” with his party.

Despite recent polls suggesting that the party is on course to lose another six seats next year, leaving it with 16, Mr Sarwar set an optimistic tone, telling delegates: “I am here to submit my application to be the next first minister of Scotland.”