NATIONALIST candidate Gavin Newlands is hoping an “open-door policy” will stand him in good stead for victory.

The 37-year-old dad-of-two will contest Paisley and Renfrewshire North, where he won 50.7 per cent of the vote two years ago.

Mr Newlands, who holds 13 surgeries a month, said he wants to continue being a “visible MP” for people in the area.

He said: “In 2015, I said I wanted to be a different kind of MP.

“I have implemented an open-door policy and I believe I have made myself visible and accessible.

“There is also an annual newsletter sent out to keep my constituents informed about what I am doing.

“I want to continue being that kind of MP but also make sure I stand up for Scotland in the face of Tory cuts and Brexit.”

Mr Newlands, who was born in Paisley, also attacked reports that Ferguslie Park voted in a Tory councillor in this month’s local elections.

Conservative John McIntyre was surprisingly elected for the Paisley North-West ward, which includes the Ferguslie area.

Mr Newlands said: “I have spoken to people in Ferguslie and they are so angry to be associated with a Conservative.

“It is only a small part of the ward and I really feel there will be a backlash there.”