A Johnstone councillor is seeking to be nominated as the SNP candidate for the Paisley and Renfrewshire South seat.

Jacqueline Cameron has put her name forward for consideration following MP Mhairi Black's announcement that she plans to stand down in next year's UK general election.

Nominations have now opened for the Paisley and Renfrewshire South seat, with SNP members choosing their candidate through a democratic selection process.

Councillor Cameron, who is currently depute leader of Renfrewshire Council, has represented Johnstone South and Elderslie since May 2017.

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She told The Gazette: "I was delighted to be approved as a potential candidate, and am seeking the honour of representing the area in which I live. 

"I intend to fight for the needs of our communities, with great local knowledge, experience and a deep passion to address poverty and disadvantage wherever I find it.

"I respect the decision of Mhairi Black to stand down, and share her disgust at how the Tories have ignored the needs of our communities.

"We need that continued strong voice for Paisley and Renfrewshire South, and that's why, after being encouraged by others to stand, I have put my name forward for SNP members to consider."

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Councillor Cameron said that, if elected as an MP, she would work hard to push the case for Scottish independence.

She added: "The immediate priority is the cost of living crisis, and I would offer a real alternative to Labour's imitation of the Tories. 

"Labour are talking up their chances of winning the seat. Well, I've got news for them, I intend to expose their hypocrisy and hold the seat for the SNP, to protect our area and deliver independence. 

"We had decades of Labour complacency before and we're not going back!

"I'll be running a very positive, inspirational, locally-focused campaign. Watch this space if selected."