West of Scotland Conservative list MSP Jamie Greene has rejected criticism from SNP MP Patricia Gibson regarding the Ayrshire Growth Deal, and said Scottish Conservatives are looking into progressing the initiative.

Jamie said: “I’m disappointed to see Patricia Gibson MP attacking us for the sake of political point-scoring, but I am not overly surprised. There is an election on after all.

“I’m sure readers will be interested to know that it was my Conservative Ayrshire MSP colleagues and I who took the initiative to contact and actually sit down face to face with the UK Government to discuss how the practicalities of how to progress the Ayrshire Growth initiatives.

“Whilst I was meeting with the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy to discuss getting a good deal for North Ayrshire, Patricia Gibson was using her position as an MP to remove flags from the town centre.”

“If Mrs Gibson is so concerned about growing North Ayrshire’s economy then she should write to Nicola Sturgeon asking her why the SNP has cut the local authority’s budget by nearly £5 million and hiked up income and business tax rates. “

“It seems the SNP is only interested in the UK when it suits them financially. The rest of the time they would prefer the black hole that independence would bring Scotland.”

“So I'll get on with the day job of trying to grow the local economy and leave them to their electioneering.”