Incumbent MSP Kenneth Gibson has secured the SNP’s nomination for the Cunninghame North constituency following a turbulent campaign dogged by accusations on all sides.

Mr Gibson, who first won Cunninghame North for the party 13 years ago, faced two challenges for his party’s nomination.

Former MP Corri Wilson and former SNP aide Osama Bhutta had come forward to challenge Mr Gibson’s candidacy but failed to defeat him.

Mr Gibson said: “I am hugely grateful to SNP members across the constituency for their continued support.

“Next year’s Holyrood election will be massively important as we move closer to winning Scotland’s independence.

“Together with dedicated SNP activists, I look forward to leading a positive campaign. In the meantime, I continue to serve the people and communities of Cunninghame North as I have since 2007.”

During the selection process in October, it was revealed that more than 20 local officials wrote to SNP HQ last year reporting claims of bullying by Mr Gibson, ‘especially’ towards women.

My Gibson strongly denied the accusations and said:“I’m no angel but any actions that may have offended are done in the passion of the moment and not calculated.”

Mr Gibson’s wife, MP Patricia Gibson, announced that there was no investigation into her husband following a statement by SNP National Secretary Angus MacLeod.

Mr Gibson railed against a ‘vicious and spiteful’ smear campaign against him and criticised the other candidates for failing to condemn it.

Despite the bitterly-fought process, which saw Mr Bhutta suspend his campaign and both him and Ms Wilson boycott hustings, they struck a conciliatory tone after results were announced.

Ms Wilson said: “Just to say thank you to the members in Cunninghame North that voted for me in what was a difficult selection process. My hope now is the constituency can find a way to move forward positively.”

Mr Bhutta said: “It’s been an honour to get to know so many new people in the constituency. Thank you to everyone who inspired me with their stories, shared their ideas, and gave me their support.

“I hope that the campaign catalysed important debate which helps the future of the area.”