SCOTS actor Brian Cox has defected from Labour to join the SNP.
The actor, who campaigned for independence during the referendum, said the Labour party has "failed" to live up to its "basic principles".
In a letter to Labour general secretary Iain McNicol, Cox wrote: "The people in Dundee, particularly in the Labour Party, showed great fortitude in their choice of socialism and independence and are very much on the right road.
"Their position was severely undermined by the empty rhetoric of leading members of the party.
"This has led to great disillusionment with the party throughout Scotland and my position merely reflects that disillusionment.
"I always believed the Labour Party stood for social democracy but sadly I no longer believe they do and, as I say, it is with deep sadness that I am resigning from the party - a party I believed in but has now failed in the last few years to live up to its basic principles.
"I feel the Scottish National Party is the party taking forward values of social justice and represents Scotland's best interests and that is why I have, like many other Labour supporters, decided to become a member of the SNP."
Mr Cox is the latest in almost 70,000 members to join the nationalist party since the referendum last year.
Joe Fitzpatrick, SNP MSP for Dundee City West welcomed the actor and said: "Brian Cox joining the SNP is a fabulous endorsement for the party - his deep held beliefs and passion for social justice are well known, and it is an honour to have such a talented and internationally celebrated actor as a member.
"Labour has, as Brian points out, abandoned the principles which it used to stand for - no wonder so many former Labour members have joined and are continuing to join the SNP.
"The SNP are taking nothing for granted and we will work extremely hard for every vote and seat, because if a team of SNP MPs can hold the balance of power at Westminster, we can deliver the policies and powers Scotland needs to help build a fairer and more equal country."
Scottish Labour deputy leader Kezia Dugdale said: "Brian Cox is a great Scottish actor whose commitment to the arts is unrivalled.
"He has been a great Labour supporter and I'm sad to see him leave.
"I hope to catch up with Brian soon to talk about how Scottish Labour can help to support the arts in Scotland - particularly TV and film."
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