SNP candidate for the Dalry and West Kilbride ward, Stephen Brown, will not fight the election, he has announced.

Just last week it was made public that he and Joy Brahim would be the SNP's candidates for the ward in May's elections but now it is unclear whether the party will have two candidates.

In a statement, Mr Brown said: "Regrettably I have withdrawn from running in the NAC campaign due to health reasons.

"I am aware that the other parties who can only get publicity by quoting me completely out of context, will attempt to make political capital from this, but I am in the unenviable position of taking the doctor’s instructions beyond any party political line."

The announcement comes after Stephen Brown quit Twitter following apparent remarks towards a supporter of keeping Scotland in the United Kingdom.

An SNP spokesperson said “We have just been advised by Stephen that he is standing down for health reasons, and we wish him well in his recovery.

"In terms of the vacancy that this leaves, it will be for his local branch to consider whether it wishes to fill this in the coming weeks.”