SNP confirm Renfrewshire candidates for council election

All sitting Nationalist councillors have been re-selected to stand alongside four others looking to represent communities for the first time.

Robert Innes, who has worked as a researcher for local MP Mhairi Black for the last six years, will be the candidate in Houston, Crosslee and Linwood, while Bruce MacFarlane hopes to represent Paisley Southeast.

The other new candidates are Graeme Stockton, who will be campaigning in Johnstone North, Kilbarchan, Howwood and Lochwinnoch, and Fiona Nicolson, who will stand in Bridge of Weir, Bishopton and Langbank.

Bruce McFarlane

Dad-of-two Mr Innes said he will focus on reducing anti-social behaviour and pushing for better roads if elected.

“I want to be an approachable councillor and I believe I can deliver on this,” added Mr Innes, who will be campaigning in the ward with Councillor Audrey Doig.

Mr MacFarlane is aiming to become one of the youngest councillors ever in Renfrewshire, aged just 22.

Elsewhere, council leader Iain Nicolson and Michelle Campbell will stand in Erskine and Inchinnan, while deputy leader Jim Paterson will campaign again in Renfrew South and Gallowhill, alongside Cathy McEwan.

Sitting councillors Cathy McEwan and Jim Paterson

Emma Rodden will campaign with Mr Stockton for Johnstone North, Kilbarchan, Lochwinnoch and Howwood, while Andy Steel and Jacqueline Cameron will stand again in Johnstone South and Elderslie.

Provost Lorraine Cameron and Stephen Burns are the SNP candidates in Paisley Southwest, Marie McGurk will stand in Paisley Southeast and Kenny and Mags MacLaren hope to continue representing Paisley Northwest.

John McNaughtan and Will Mylet aim to keep their seats in Paisley East and Central and Jennifer Adam-McGregor will be standing again in Paisley Northeast and Ralston.

John Shaw and Lisa-Marie Hughes complete the SNP candidate list, as they will be standing in Renfrew North and Braehead.