Pundit's prediction of election victor in Cumbernauld and Kilsyth

Professor John Curtice said: “ Given the current state of the Scotland-wide opinion polls, the SNP are strong favourites to retain Cumbernauld and Kilsyth.”

However, that won’t wash with Labour candidate MSP Mark Griffin, who is standing both as a first-past-the-post and a list candidate.

Failure to fight on both tickets saw Labour lose the seat at the last Holyrood election – which then went to Mr Hepburn.

Mr Griffin said: “The SNP want to be judged on their record but I do not believe it is a record to be proud of.

“We need a Government that will act to eradicate the attainment gap between the richest and the rest. Under the SNP it is continuing to rise.”

Mr Griffin also believes that the SNP is cutting vital health services and making too many cuts.

He added: “I am thoroughly looking forward to our upcoming campaign and speaking to people on doorsteps.”

However, Mr Hepburn had a different view and said: “Clearly the opinion polls and our own local canvassing indicates strong support for us.

“From my perspective that is clearly welcome but I recognise that things can change and I will not be complacent.”

Mr Hepburn will fight solely on the first-past-the post ticket on Thursday, May 5.