Irvine West councillor Ruth Maguire has been selected as SNP's candidate for Cunninghame South in the 2016 Holyrood elections.
Ms Maguire said on her Twitter page this evening following the announcement: "Honoured to be selected by members as Cunninghame South SNP candidate for Holyrood 2016.
"I will do my very best for you all."
The seat is currently held by Minister for Housing and Welfare, Margaret Burgess, who will be retiring in May next year.
Ms Maguire, 39, was regarded as favourite to win selection standing against candidates with little or no connection with the constituency.
Kenneth Gibson was SNP's only nominated candidate for Cunninghame North.
Kilwinning councillor Joe Cullinane will fight Cunninghame South for Labour while the selection process for their Cunninghame North candidate was postponed until after the leadership and deputy leadership elections.
The Conservatives will field their 2015 General Election candidate Jamie Green in Cunninghame North.
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