I'll lead independence fight against Alex Salmond, says Alistair Darling

Former chancellor Mr Darling, the Labour MP for Edinburgh South West, is seen by many as the most credible man for the job and he has now confirmed he is ready to take it on.

His commitments at Westminster mean he cannot manage the whole anti-independence campaign, but he is willing to devote all his time to it in the months immediately before the referendum.

'I am ready to do everything I can. It is something I believe in. I am passionate about this,' Mr Darling told the Sunday Mail.

Alistair Darling believes 

Alex Salmond's judgement is flawed (PA)

He plans to make a positive case for Scotland remaining part of the union, rather than rubbish Mr Salmond's claim that it could become a strong independent nation.

However, Mr Darling is prepared to point out what he views as the first minister's weaknesses, even though he described him as 'an accomplished politician'. 

'That doesn't mean you have to be mesmerised by him,' said the ex-chancellor.

'One of the things is that he is happiest when he is abusing David Cameron. He is distinctly unhappy when you press him on specifics and practicalities.

'I think his judgment is wrong. This is the man who famously said he thought the Royal Bank of Scotland's bid for ABN Amro was a good thing.'

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