People in one of the poorest areas of Britain have the chance to send a message to the UK Government that they are tired and disillusioned with Labour, according to the SNP deputy leader.

Nicola Sturgeon joined John Mason, the party's candidate for Glasgow East, at a credit union in Easterhouse yesterday to declare that "nothing changes" with Labour. Ms Sturgeon said: "There is a sense of anger towards Labour. People are being hit by the rising costs of fuel and food, and they feel Labour isn't listening. I have been out in the east end talking to people and there is a sense of frustration.

"The Labour candidate said poverty is her priority. Well, there is a feeling that we have heard that one before from Labour. People here know if they send another Labour MP to Westminster nothing changes."

Meanwhile, MSP Margaret Curran, Labour's candidate, visited a kilt supplier's warehouse in Baillieston, with Scottish MPs Ann McKechin and Anne McGuire.

Ms Curran said she intended to ask Chancellor Alistair Darling to visit the east end of Glasgow. She said: "I have been round the doorsteps talking to people. If I was elected I would want to speak to the Chancellor and invite him to come here and speak to some of the people I have met, to hear face-to-face some of the issues people are facing."

Asked if she would be a Labour rebel in the Commons, she said: "Not necessarily. There is more than one way to skin a cat. I have a proven track record of persuading people what they need to do to stand up for the people of the east end."

The issue of Scotland's oil revenues was raised again when Mr Mason said £6bn of "extra tax" had gone to the Treasury thanks to the rising price of oil. "The SNP wants to see some of that £6bn come back to Scotland to invest in the east end," he said.

However, Ms Curran countered: "The answer of the SNP is as if the oil money is the answer to all problems. It just isn't. I want to set up a local jobs task force to get people, employers and agencies round the table to find out what people need."