THE SNP have chosen former MSP Anne McLaughlin to be their candidate in the Inverclyde by-election.

And Labour have short-listed five contenders from 26 who put their names forward.

Ms McLaughlin, right, was selected by Inverclyde SNP members last night in Greenock.

The other hopefuls were Inverclyde Council SNP leader, Councillor Innes Nelson, his predecessor, Councillor Jim MacLeod and Duncan Ross, a Glasgow University lecturer.

The by-election has been caused by the death of Labour MP David Cairns, and is expected to be held on 30 June.

Greenock-born Ms McLaughlin, 45, became a regional list member for Glasgow in 2009.

The former Port Glasgow High pupil was SNP campaign co-ordinator when the party won the Glasgow East by-election in 2008.

Ms McLaughlin said she hoped to win the opportunity to represent her home area at Westminster and to fight for jobs across the constituency.

She said: "It is an honour to be selected to stand in Inverclyde.

"David Cairns was a well-respected MP and I hope to win the same respect across the constituency that he held.

"I spent my childhood here and my family live in Gourock and Port Glasgow.

"Inverclyde has always been home to me, and it would be a great privilege to represent the people of this constituency at Westminster.

"I am looking forward to getting out on the doorsteps and in the town centres from now until the by-election, listening to the views of local people and setting out the SNP's positive agenda to bring jobs and opportunities to Inverclyde.

"As a politician who never gives up, I can promise my absolute commitment to people in every part of this constituency.

"A few weeks ago the public elected an SNP Government for action on jobs, the NHS, a council tax freeze and a better Scotland. "By sending an SNP representative to Westminster, Inverclyde can build on that progress and win a more powerful voice for people across the constituency." Meanwhile, Labour yesterday shortlisted Inverclyde Council leader Iain McKenzie, former MSP David Whitton, Martin McCluskey, who works for international charity VSO, former Army Captain Frankie Caldwell and Christian Aid adviser Melanie Ward.

Their candidate will be chosen tomorrow in Greenock.