Conservatives say, if elected, they will be local community champions.

Conservative candidates for ERC May elections - (left to right): Paul Aitken, Andrea Gee, Stewart Miller, Barbara Grant, Gordon Wallace, Charlie Gilbert, Andrew Morrison.

Commenting on the selection, association chairman and local councillor for Giffnock & Thornliebank Gordon Wallace said: “Following the Party’s victory in the Eastwood constituency last year, and the election of regional MSP Maurice Golden who covers both Neilston and Barrhead, the Conservative slate of candidates contain both experienced hands and new faces alike, demonstrating we are truly representative of the communities we seek to represent.

“Following the Labour/SNP administration’s controversial decision to continue seeking a private buyer for Bonnyton House against the wishes of the community, and the forthcoming council tax grab on properties band E and above voted for by both the SNP and Labour in Holyrood, our proposition presents local residents with the best of both worlds - local community champions on East Renfrewshire Council, backed up by Ruth Davidson’s team of MSPs in Parliament.

“Amongst the new faces, we have lawyer Paul Aitken who will be aiming to win over voters across the new Barrhead, Uplawmoor & Liboside ward.

“Local accountant Andrew Morrison joins incumbent Councillor Charlie Gilbert in Newton Mearns North & Neilston, forming a team of two local candidates.

“Doctor Andrea Gee joins our group leader Cllr Stewart Miller in Netherlee, Clarkston and Williamwood ward, also forming a team of two candidates and Jim Mclean from Eaglesham joins Cllrs Barbara Grant and Jim Swift in the new, enlarged Newton Mearns South ward, where all three shall be seeking election.”

Welcoming the council election team, Eastwood MSP and Deputy Leader of the Scottish Conservatives, Jackson Carlaw said: “I am even more excited to hit the campaign trail now that we have selected such a great bunch of candidates.

“This is not the status quo with many new faces added to those experienced Councillors who have fought the Scottish Conservative cause locally for many years.

“Remember it is only the Scottish Conservatives who resolutely oppose a second referendum neverendum and will protect the local services that are at the heart of local authority services.”