ALEX Salmond will never be allowed input in a Labour government Budget “in a million years,” leader Ed Miliband insisted yesterday.

Mr Miliband again ruled out a coalition with the SNP after the election and repeatedly brushed off suggestions that he may require SNP votes to get his policies through if he fails to secure a Commons majority.

In a speech in Clydebank, he said he could win a majority, and it would be up to other parties to decide how they would vote on Labour policies.

On Sunday Mr Salmond, former SNP leader and a Westminster candidate in the forthcoming election, said the SNP would hold “the power” if a Labour government needed its votes to survive.

“Alex Salmond is at it again, and it’s a combination of bluster and bluff,” said Mr Miliband.

“I gather he has got a book to sell. I’ll tell you who is going to be writing the Labour Budget — it’s me and Ed Balls.

“It’s not going to be Alex Salmond, not in a million years.”

When asked to rule out a confidence and supply deal, Mr Miliband said: “Look, honestly, how other parties decide to vote on the basis of a Labour Queen’s Speech is going to be up to them, but I want a majority Labour government.

“And, look, with the greatest of respect, we will let Alex Salmond try to sell his book, but what we are going to try and do is show the people of Scotland what the choice is at the general election.”

He attacked SNP plans for full fiscal autonomy, which he said would extend Tory austerity north of the border.

by Our News Desk