The 64-year-old Argyll and Bute councillor and businessman told the Post he is standing because he wants to see through the Conservative-led economic recovery.

Maurice, of Helensburgh, is a supporter of the devolution of power to a local level and of lowering taxes for working people.

The husband and father has stated that his first political act as an MP would be to bring community organisations, charities, trade unions and local business together to discuss and plan on rejuvenating West Dunbartonshire.

Maurice said: “Unemployment is clearly a major problem. Only with a growing economy and business confidence can you reduce unemployment. This is why the long-term economic plan being pursued by the Conservatives is so important.

“A strong and growing economy will deliver the jobs we need and the taxes we need to provide the quality public services we all want to see.” He added: “Successful community projects only work if you have cross-party support. We need to grow our local economy and invest in our infrastructure for the future.” The former territorial army member has been involved with the Conservative Party for 40 years but was only elected to Argyll and Bute Council in 2012.

He is standing for the Conservatives because he wants to continue “rebuilding” the economy.

Maurice told the Post: “The Conservative-led Government has begun the process of turning round our economy with new businesses and jobs being created. “I also want to respect the outcome of the referendum where Scotland said that we want to remain part of the UK. We need to focus on growing our economy and creating jobs, not re-playing the referendum debate over and over again.” He is against Scottish Independence and wants the referendum outcome “respected”.

Maurice said: “I am a Conservative because we believe in devolving power down to communities. “I want real devolution of power down to local level. I also believe that there is no such thing as ‘government money’. “Taxes are collected by the government from the people to spend on public services. I believe that people know how to spend their own money better than the government, so I believe in lower and fairer taxes. The Conservatives have reduced taxes for the lowest paid people across West Dunbartonshire in the last five years.” Economic growth, Maurice claims, is working under the current Conservative government.

He said: “I also support the welfare reform policies being pursued. We need to create a system where people are always better off working than being on benefits. “West Dunbartonshire should also be using its close proximity to Glasgow to attract more visitors. We have stunning natural beauty at Loch Lomond, historical interest at Dumbarton Castle and industrial heritage at Clydebank.”