LABOUR in Inverclyde has gone for an all-female shortlist from which to choose their next Scottish Parliament candidate.

Sitting councillor Natasha Murphy, and Francesca Brennan, women's officer for the local branch of the party, have thrown their hats in the ring.

The next Holyrood poll is not for another two years but Scottish Labour is selecting candidates early in a number of key target seats, including this district.

The same thing has already happened at UK level in preparation for the general election, with Martin McCluskey receiving the nod from party members 12 months ago.

Ms Murphy, 28, is from Greenock and was voted in as a Labour councillor two years ago for ward seven - Inverclyde south.

She is employed by the Church of Scotland as a children and youth worker locally.

Rival, Ms Brennan, 39, who is also from Greenock, works for the Inverclyde library service and is also training to become a primary teacher.

She is married with two children and is the daughter of Provost Martin Brennan.

Ms Brennan said: "I joined the party because of Brexit and thought it was time for anyone with concerns about that and austerity, which isn't the answer to Inverclyde's problems, to become active and involved.

"I'm women's officer for the Inverclyde constituency Labour party and because I've been arguing for equality and more women's representation, I had to lead by example and put myself forward for the candidacy.

"Labour is taking what I think is a great approach to it.

"We might be the only party taking steps to try and ensure equal representation."

Ms Murphy was actually persuaded to put her name forward by her party rival and hopes to encourage a wider variety of people to get involved in politics.

Councillor Murphy said: "Your stereotypical politician is a middle-aged, white, man.

"I've spoken out before about all-female shortlists.

"I'm also passionate about getting more young people involved and making sure their voices are heard.

"But I'm more for making sure everybody gets represented equally.

"If I thought there was a male candidate who is better, I would want him to represent Inverclyde.

"Being a councillor has not given me an appetite to be a career politician but to represent people at a higher level.

"You're sometimes disliked for the colour of rosette you wear but I'm concerned about how you ensure people's needs are met."

Party members will choose their candidate on Friday August 9.