The Conservative candidate in the botched Paisley Southeast by-election is still hoping he can secure a spot in the council chamber at May's elections.
Alec Leishman had hoped to get a seat at Renfrewshire House at the end of last year before the ward six ballot was sensationally called off after disqualified councillor Paul Mack re-appealed his ban through the Court of Session.
But he has now announced he will be standing for election in the Erskine and Inchinnan ward when voters hit the polls on May 5.
Mr Leishman was brought up in the Ferguslie and Hunterhill areas of Paisley and now lives in Foxbar but says he has strong connections with the area and wants to give residents a voice in local decision-making.
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“I am honoured and delighted to be selected by the Scottish Conservatives to stand for election in this ward in May," said Mr Leishman, who works in retail and volunteers for a housing association to promote new-build social housing and improve existing stock.
“I have strong connections with Erskine and Inchinnan and I know how wonderful a place this ward is to live in. However, I am also acutely aware there are many issues that are in urgent need of addressing.
“Having lived and worked in Renfrewshire most of my life, I want to be in a position now where I can be a strong voice for these communities and make a change.
“Our local services have suffered for too long at the hands of SNP cuts. I am very keen to get out and about on the campaign trail and engage with residents about the issues that matter to them.
“It would be a real honour to be entrusted with their vote at this vital election and my overriding priority if elected will be to deliver for the people of Erskine and Inchinnan, whatever way you vote.”
Party groups are in the process of finalising their candidates for the election in less than four months' time which will decide the make-up of the council for the next five years.
Back in 2017, the SNP formed a minority administration after winning 19 seats with Iain Nicolson elected as council leader and Lorraine Cameron handed the gold chain as Provost.
The nationalists gained four councillors but it was the Tory group that enjoyed the biggest jump in representation as it secured a whopping seven more seats.
It was a disappointing election for the Labour group as it lost nine elected members. Long-serving Liberal Democrat Eileen McCartin and Independents Andy Doig and Mr Mack made up the chamber.
