The Liberal Democrats have picked the head of the party’s youth wing in Scotland as their candidate for the forthcoming Inverclyde by-election.

Sophie Bridger, the National President of Scottish Liberal Youth, hopes to become the new MP of the area following the death of Labour MP David Cairns.

Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie MSP commented: "I am delighted that Sophie has been chosen as our candidate for this important by-election and I congratulate her on this achievement.

"Sophie is the right choice for Inverclyde. She is a rising star within the party and I know that she will be a fresh new voice for Inverclyde at Westminster.

"Sophie has a brilliant track record, having given her time over to volunteering and working in a care home. It is time for a real change in Inverclyde and Sophie and the Scottish Liberal Democrats will make that change."

The 20-year-old will campaign against Inverclyde Council leader Iain McKenzie (Labour), former Glasgow list MSP Anne McLaughlin (SNP), Depute Provost of Inverclyde Council David Wilson (Conservatives), and businessman Mitch Sorbie (Ukip) for a seat in Westminster.

The by-election was called after the death of Mr Cairns from pancreatitis last month at the age of 44. A former Scotland Office minister, Mr Cairns won the Inverclyde seat for Labour with a majority of 14,416 in the 2010 General Election.

However, in the nearest equivalent Holyrood constituency - Greenock and Inverclyde - Labour's Duncan McNeil secured a majority of just 511 in this year's elections for the Scottish Parliament. Voters will go to the polls on June 30.

IN DETAIL

• Inverclyde by-election: The Candidates