A VOTE to decide who replaces controversial MSP Derek Mackay as SNP candidate for Renfrewshire North and West ended up a draw.

Now members of the local branch will have a second ballot to decide who will stand next year at the Holyrood elections.

Renfrewshire councillors Michelle Campbell, who represents Erskine and Inchinnan, and Natalie Don, who represents Bishopton, Bridge of Weir and Langbank, were the two candidates.

Local SNP members were sent ballot papers in October.

When they were counted up last week, it was discovered that both women had received the same amount of votes.

Constituency Association Convener Councillor John Shaw said that members would be sent out fresh ballot papers this week and the result should be known by the end of the month.

He added: “Members should get their ballot papers in the next few days.

“It will be a week or two before we know the result.

“The result came in Friday tea time and it was a tie.

“We had the hustings last month about three weeks ago.

“As far as I am aware this is the first time there has been a tie for selection for a parliamentary election, though it has happened before at council level.

“The two candidates certainly set their stall out well during the hustings.”

Derek Mackay – who has held the seat since 2011 – was suspended from the ruling party at Holyrood in February after it emerged he sent 270 messages to a 16-year-old boy on social media.

The 43-year-old stepped down from his position as finance minister, but has continued to collect his MSP salary as an Independent pending an investigation into his conduct.

His seat covers Erskine, Renfrew, Linwood and Paisley as well as Inchinnan, Bridge of Weir, Bishopton and Kilmacolm.

The election for the Scottish Parliament is scheduled to be held on May 6 next year.

Last week, the SNP announced almost all  of the 70 candidates for next year’s elections.

Several incumbents were called for their seats but they all won their selection contests.

Renfrewshire North and West was the only seat where there was a tie between the candidates.

If there is another draw then it’s expected that a third ballot will be held.

Tom Arthur, who is the MSP for neighbouring Renfrewshire South, which includes Johnstone, Linwood and Elderslie, will be standing again.