This month’s council by-election will be the most fascinating in years with recently retired ‘News’ editor Drew Cochrane throwing his hat into the ring and UKIP putting forward an Arran-based candidate alongside the more traditional party candidates.

The North Coast by-election, which follows the death of SNP councillor Alex McLean, has implications for the make up of North Ayrshire Council as a whole as well as locally, with both the SNP and Labour groups currently sitting with 11 members.

With nominations having closed on Monday, five candidates will contest the North Coast seat . The by-election will be held on Thursday 30 October. The five candidates are Drew Cochrane (Independent), Toni Dawson (Scottish Conservative and Unionist), Meilan Henderson (UKIP), Grace McLean (Scottish National Party), and Valerie Reid (Scottish Labour).

While the frenetic campaigning for last month’s referendum has passed, the 2016 Scottish Parliament election is just over the horizon, placing continued importance on every election taking place in the intervening period.

Drew, who stood down from the News editorship after 40 years last week, is the only independent candidate and is joined by Meilan Henderson, from Lochranza on the Isle of Arran, who is attempting to repeat the unexpected success of UKIP in England. Labour have also confirmed that Largs Labour Party Chair Valerie Reid will represent the party at the by-election.

Drew has set his stall out as an alternative to local party politics.

He said: “Ever since I started covering, reporting and writing about councils since 1969 I have felt that party politics get in the way of common sense council representation.

“Why should you be in the SNP, Labour, Conservatives or whatever to work on behalf of your community?

“As I step out of the editor’s chair I will have the time and energy to speak for Largs, Fairlie, Skelmorlie and Cumbrae at North Ayrshire Council. There is a robust independent group at the council who are willing to co-operate with councillors of all persuasions.” Drew has been involved in a range of local groups and is chairman of Kelburn Windfarm charitable trust, president of Largs Players, and secretary of Barrfields Theatre Users’ Group among others.

Labour candidate Valerie Reid also has deep roots in the town, having lived in Largs for 34 years, and has vowed to work for the whole community and fight divisions.

The mother of three said: “My years of experience working with local people and addressing the issues that affect their daily lives has given me a strong knowledge of the problems people face in the North Coast, and has been ideal preparation for the position of local councillor.” “The job of elected representatives is to deliver what the people want from local government and are entitled to expect - good public services and the efficient use of resources.

She commented: “If elected, I will seek to promote the interests of Largs, Cumbrae, Fairlie and Skelmorlie and the positive values of solidarity and community which I have worked for all my life.

“This is not a continuation of the constitutional debate but an election to ensure the best possible representation of the North Coast in matters of daily importance to all of us who live in these communities.

“It is time to work, not for division and difference, but for the common good of us all.” The SNP will be represented by Grace McLean, wife of Alex, with local businesswoman Toni Dawson hoping to secure the seat for the Conservatives.

Largs born and bred, Grace’s father ran a business in School Street and she attended Largs Primary and Largs High School before working at IBM, Inverclyde Sports Centre and the Largs & Millport News former owners, the Guthrie Group.

She is currently Chair of Haylie House Trustees where she is actively involved in fundraising and many other activities.

She said: “I believe my experience equips me to be an effective and competent advocate and councillor for the people of this area. I am pleased to be nominated by the SNP locally and am proud to carry on the work started by my husband, Alex.” Toni Dawson, of the Sugar and Spice store, and The Bean And Leaf restaurant, will contest the seat for the Conservatives.

Ms Dawson, 47, is the current Vice-Chair of the town’s Business Improvement District (BID).

She said: “I started business in Largs with very little other than a commitment to being here long-term, coupled with a strong work ethic. In January 2013, I spent some time reflecting on how good the people of Largs and its visitors have been to me, and I decided I wanted to give back and contribute somehow.”