THE full list of candidates for the Irvine West by-election have been officially revealed.

Six candidates have been confirmed to challenge the seat vacated by Ruth Maguire following her election as MSP for Cunninghame South.

They comprise of Bobby Cochrane (Socialist Labour Party), Josh McCormick (Scottish Greens), Louise McPhater (Scottish Labour), Nick Smith (Liberal Democrats), Angela Stephen (Conservative) and Robin Sturgeon (SNP).

Polling cards have been issued since Monday, July 11 will contain full details of where people can vote. 

Anyone who is not currently on the Electoral Register has until 5pm on Tuesday, July 26 to register. To ensure you are registered to vote, please visit www.gov.uk/register-to-vote before July 26.

The same deadline applies to anyone wishing to apply for a postal vote while those seeking a new proxy vote must do so by Wednesday, August 3.

Voters returning a postal vote must ensure that the Postal Vote Statement accompanying their vote is filled out correctly, paying particular attention to the inclusion of their correct date of birth. 

A signature identical to the one provided in their application must also be provided, although this is not required if postal voters have a waiver. 

Returning Officer Elma Murray said: “Voters should be aware that the by-election will use the single transferrable vote (STV) system where voters mark their preference in order, rather than by means of an X. 

“Voters can vote for any number of candidates they wish in order - 1 next to their first choice, a 2 next to their second choice, a 3 next to their third choice and so on.”

Polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm on Thursday, 11 August, for people to cast their votes.

Votes will be counted overnight at Irvine Royal Academy and the result should be known in the early hours of Friday, August 12.
Full details for the by-election can be found at north-ayrshire.cmis.uk.com/north-ayrshire/VotingElections/ForthcomingElections