TORY candidate Paul Masterton believes the prospect of another referendum on Scottish independence will be an important factor in the battle to win the East Renfrewshire seat at Westminster.

Mr Masterton is hoping to build on the Tories’ success in this month’s council elections when voters go to the polls on June 8.

And he insists the choice facing East Renfrewshire residents is simple.

He said: “They can either re-elect a Nationalist MP who will sit on the sidelines and spend her time working to tear our country apart or they can elect a Conservative MP who will prioritise local issues, fight to get the best deal for the area and always stand up for Scotland’s place in the United Kingdom.”

Mr Masterton is chairman of Ralston Community Council and says this has given him a strong track record in helping residents and organising campaigns against service closures and unwanted developments.

The 31-year-old Paisley solicitor, who is married with two young children, said: “With the SNP/Labour-led East Renfrewshire Council determined to concrete over every last bit of green space, it is vital that you elect a Conservative MP who will defend the interests of our community.

“Having registered their worst performance in East Renfrewshire in 100 years at the recent local elections, Labour are too weak to win here.

“A Labour vote is not only a vote to make Jeremy Corbyn Prime Minister, it also runs the risk of letting the SNP sneak back in. It is a risk East Renfrewshire cannot afford to take.”