Row of cost of MSP's office move

The SNP’s Stuart McMillan, right, has confirmed the relocation of his regional constituency office to Inverclyde from next month.

His new base will be on Argyle Street, with his current office in Paisley — which he shares with fellow regional SNP MSP Stewart Maxwell — closing down.

They will spend an extra £14,000 a year by closing the Paisley HQ and opening one office here in Greenock and another in either Barrhead or Dumbarton.

The switch has been attacked by Labour’s Stephen McCabe, far right, the leader of Inverclyde Council, who has today branded it ‘a complete waste of taxpayers’ money’.

Mr McCabe said: “Most of Inverclyde is already very well served by the office of Greenock and Inverclyde constituency MSP Duncan McNeil. Those of us who live in Kilmacolm or Quarrier’s Village have access to the office of our constituency MSP Derek Mackay.

“The new office is being opened to support the campaign for a ‘Yes’ vote and to assist Stuart McMillan in his bid to win the Greenock and Inverclyde constituency seat in 2016.” Mr McMillan today defended his decision and insists it has been taken to provide ease of access.

He said: “Having two offices will make it easier for constituents to get in touch with us.

“We have been given permission by the Parliament’s Corporate Body.

“Our request followed a successful request by Labour Party regional MSPs to open up a second regional office in west Scotland.

“They now have offices in Paisley and Irvine.” The MSP says he is ‘delighted’ to be moving down the M8.

He said: “It is important to me to have an office here in Inverclyde to be more accessible to those who live in this and the surrounding areas.

“As politicians we are here to serve and represent our constituents as best we can. This office will make it easier for constituents to bring issues and concerns to me.

“In addition to my surgery programme I have always ran an open door policy in my office, this will continue at the new Argyle Street office.”