INVERCLYDE'S new MP highlighted the work of three local projects which he says symbolises the 'resilience' and 'kindness' of the people he now represents in his first ever speech in the House of Commons.

Labour's Martin McCluskey singled out St John's 'bowl and blether' in Gourock, the Inverclyde Shed in Greenock, and Branching Out in Parklea, Port Glasgow.

In his traditional maiden speech Mr McCluskey also made touching tributes to those who had shaped and inspired him, including his parents who have passed away.

He went on to pay tribute to the work of his predecessor Ronnie Cowan, who he ran against in the recent election, singling out his campaigning work on drug reform.

Martin McCluskey, the new MP serving Inverclyde (Image: Alex Craig)

The 38-year-old spoke movingly of his upbringing in the constituency he now serves, the inspiration of his family, and also the former Inverclyde MP David Cairns, who died at only 44 years of age.

In his maiden speech Mr McCluskey, who is still a Gourock councillor said: "Inverclyde is the most beautiful constituency in the country.

"But it is not the beauty of our surroundings that I am most proud of; it is the resilience, the kindness and the determination of our people.

"I have the privilege of representing the place where I was born and raised, and where I continue to live."

He went on to speak about the St John's Gourock 'bowl and blether' which he told the Commons was grew out of the cost of living crisis.

The Inverclyde MP also praised Branching Out in Parklea, which provides opportunities for people to develop skills through horticulture and is expanding.

(Image: House of Commons)

He went on to talk about the Inverclyde Shed which has redeveloped an old industrial building to provide space for people to 'meet, make, grow and share'.

Mr McCluskey added: "Our people bring our communities to life. They look out for each other, and they rarely ask for anything in return."

During his speech to fellow MPs he highlighted the demise of shipbuilding while flagging the success of engineering firm James Walker Devol, which he hopes will benefit from new investment.

As is tradition he spoke about Ronnie Cowan, the outgoing MP, saying: "I want to pay particular tribute to Ronnie Cowan, who was my opponent in three elections.

"He will be remembered fondly in Inverclyde for his important campaigning in the last Parliament to improve treatment and support for people affected by drug addiction — a problem that emerges from the hopelessness that so many people feel today."

Mr McCluskey went on to speak about the influences in his life from his grandfather, a union treasurer at Scotts, who found a route out of poverty to provide for his family.

The MP also told the Commons about his grandmother, who in the early 1930s also went to London, to enter domestic service for the owner of Tottenham Hotspur and sent her money home to her mother to help her raise 12 children in Rue End Street.

He added: "My family and community taught me the values that led me into public service. Unfortunately, neither of my parents lived long enough to see this, but they gave me the start in life that I want to see for every child."

The Inverclyde MP also paid tribute to one of his greatest influences, the MP David Cairns, who tragically died in 2011, with a huge response from those in the House of Commons, many who served alongside him.

MP David Cairns

He said: "David was a model MP who worked hard for all his constituents and who built his reputation on delivering for people in our community.

"As a gay man in politics 20 years ago, he showed me that who you love should not be a barrier to holding elected office.

"It is often said that, 'You can’t be what you can’t see'.

"If not for David Cairns and the model he set, I know I would not be standing here today with my soon-to-be husband watching from the gallery above."

In the speech he referenced the policies he said his new government would put into place to make life better for his constituents including the new GB Energy.

Finishing his maiden speech, he said: "In everything I do in this place, I will work to live up to their example and to the values of the people and the community that raised me."