Iain McKenzie, pictured, has confirmed he will take part in the showdown in Greenock Town Hall in just under a fortnight’s time.

The Labour candidate has decided to accept a challenge issued by the area’s Conservative hopeful George Jabbour.

The pair will put their case for election across and field questions from the public, along with UKIP’s Michael Burrows and John Watson of the Liberal Democrats, who have also confirmed their attendance on Wednesday 8 April.

It leaves SNP challenger Ronnie Cowan as the only Inverclyde candidate missing from the line-up.

He has refused to take part in the events arranged by Mr Jabbour, saying it would make more sense to debate once the parties have all published their manifestos.

Explaining his decision to get involved, Labour’s Mr McKenzie said: “I have spent the last four years standing up to the Tories and their coalition partners, as the candidate for Scottish Labour I will once more stand up for the good people of Inverclyde and Scotland.” Conservative challenger Mr Jabbour proposed three debates shortly after being confirmed as his party’s candidate.

But only he and UKIP’s Mr Burrows took part in the first showdown 10 days ago.

Mr McKenzie declined the invite as he was in London for the chancellor’s budget announcement while Lib Dem Mr Watson was also unable to attend.

The SNP’s Mr Cowan has refused on several occasions to accept the challenge and is now the only local candidate not signed up to be on the platform.

He has, however, agreed to attend two separate showdowns being organised by local churches, along with the other parties.

The Greenock Town Hall debate takes place on Wednesday 8 April at 6.30pm for a 7pm start.