Four candidates are currently in the running to stand for the Dumbarton MSP seat currently held by Labour’s Jackie Baillie.

Local councillor Gail Robertson, Glasgow business woman Suzanne McLaughlin, councillor James Robb from Argyll and Bute, and Alannah Maurer from Garelochhead are also in the running for the party member’s vote.

The candidates debated issues such as jobs, education, health and Tory austerity measures.

Gail Robertson told the Reporter: “This is our third hustings, and every time we seem to get varied questions which is good. There are a few common themes but this far down the line it’s interesting to get different types of issues to debate.

“I think we’ve seen a huge change since the referendum, people are struggling with austerity measures as result of Tories, and the elections in May show people are looking for change.

“There are a lot of key issues that will be different for different people, but we hear regularly that people don’t feel Labour represent the working classes like they once did.” Despite the competition, Ms Robertson is convinced whoever wins will be an excellent representative for the area: “We’re all very content that regardless of who the candidate is, it will be a good candidate.

“We will have a good team behind them, and I’ve been involved for so long now, whether I am the candidate or not, I will be campaigning hard for whoever it is. I gave each of my opponents an absolute commitment, we’ll all put in the time for eachother.” The group is currently waiting on confirmation of the date from party HQ for the vote, however they expect it to be mid-late August. Members will receive their ballot papers and then have 20 days to cast their vote.