JULIE Pirone has said she is not a “cardboard cut-out Conservative” as she makes one last bid for votes in Paisley and Renfrewshire North.

Mrs Pirone, who grew up in the area but now lives in Edinburgh, hopes to win over swithering Labour voters.

She said: “There are lots of Labour voters who are disillusioned with their own party, for whatever reason, and I think a good percentage of voters want to stay in the Union and recognise the importance of being part of the UK.

“I would appeal to them that, if they’re thinking of swaying, then give someone new a chance.

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“I intend to represent everyone, no matter where they live, what walk of life they come from or what their views are.”

Mrs Pirone said she she finds it “appalling” that foodbank usage in Renfrewshire has risen year-on-year.

She added: “The Scottish Government will soon be responsible for most of the benefits system in Scotland and my job is to make sure my colleagues sitting in the Scottish Parliament challenge that as much as they possibly can.”

When asked for her views on Universal Credit, she said: “I feel that there needed to be something changed in the benefits system. I think the Conservative government has tried to do that and it still has a bit to go.

“It is right that people are helped when they need it, that’s the philosophy I have.”

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Mrs Pirone also said more work needs to be done on improving services at the Royal Alexandra Hospital, in Paisley.

“My job will be to focus on making sure that extra money that comes from the UK is spent on local services and the NHS,” she said.

“When that money comes, it doesn’t necessarily have to be spent by the current Scottish Government on health and I will be watching very carefully that the money is spent there.”

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