INVERCLYDE Council’s only female councillor is seeking re-election in May.

Vaughan Jones was elected five years ago for Labour but fell out with the party after declaring her support for Scottish independence in the 2014 referendum.

Cllr Jones has been an independent since then, and there was speculation that she might contest the election for the SNP.

However, she has confirmed she will stand as an independent in Inverclyde South.

She says she wants to see more female members of Inverclyde Council following May’s poll.

Ms Jones said: “Women make up 52 per cent of the population, and it is absolutely crucial for democracy that councils reflect the population they represent.

“The under-representation of women within the council is worrying. It is even more important women’s voices are heard because much research demonstrates that, during times of austerity, it is women who are disproportionately affected.

“I have at every available opportunity spoken out and it is because of my efforts that the council celebrates the social, cultural and economic achievements of women locally and nationally by marking International Women’s Day.

“I have also fought consistently to ensure there is a gender balance on recruitment panels within the council, and the council now strives to achieve this.”

Ms Jones says there are very challenging times ahead in the face of funding cuts, and believes politicians will need to work collaboratively to ensure vital services are protected.

She added: “I hope councillors will put party political differences aside and work together more harmoniously.

“I do not believe it is productive or helpful in any way for the electorate to observe politicians engage in a confrontational ‘Punch and Judy’ style of politics.

“The level of debate we often see both nationally and locally is shrill and vitriolic and demeaning to politics.

“It sets the wrong tone which often gets replicated by the public on social media.”