The Advertiser has invited General Election candidates standing to represent Argyll, Bute and South Lochaber to share their views on key topics to the area.

This week, it's all about the economy: here Labour's Hamish Maxwell shares his thoughts...

Successive SNP and Tory governments at Holyrood and Westminster have let down the people of Argyll, Bute and South Lochaber.

The SNP have failed to support local businesses and they have failed to realise Scotland’s potential. That coupled with more than a decade of Tory austerity and the consequence is substantial damage to our economy.

We have a cost of living crisis and, with rising food prices, rising energy bills and rising mortgages, it is little wonder that people have less money in their pockets.

We have experienced huge increases in inflation and this has impacted on the cost of doing business. And Liz Truss’ mini budget threw high octane fuel on to the fire.

Labour’s manifesto sets out plans to restore stability to the economy, stimulate growth and rebalance the system.

In areas like Helensburgh and Lomond, small businesses are vital, creating employment and bringing diversity to the business base.

Tourism is one of the key pillars of our local economy but we need investment in the A82 and the A83 at the Rest and Be Thankful if we are to capitalise on our tourism potential, never mind the impact on local businesses and people.

We have some of the most iconic food and drink suppliers in the constituency and we should do more to boost exports.

We will deliver a New Deal for Working People, banning exploitative zero hours contracts and delivering a real living wage, putting money back into peoples’ pockets to increase local spend.

After 14 years of Tory chaos and 17 years of SNP mismanagement, our constituency is crying out for change. Voting Scottish Labour on July 4 will bring the change that Scotland needs.