SNP call for inquiry into council leader's resignation

SNP Councillor Billy McAllister has written to Glasgow City Council's chief executive to ask that an investigation be launched into the circumstances surrounding the recent resignation of leader Steven Purcell.

Mr Purcell, former Labour leader of the council, quit last week amid allegations of alcohol and drug dependency that were exposed through a series of news reports.

Mr Purcell led the Labour-dominated council for five years, overseeing a budget of more than £2 billion and a workforce of more than 30,000.

In Mr McAllister's letter he wrote: "Given both recent revelations and developments circulating in the local and national media, note that I wish to call upon your office to instigate a full investigation and/or public inquiry regarding recent decision reached under the auspices of former council leader Steven Purcell."

During a nervous breakdown, Purcell decided to voluntarily enter a rehab clinic, where he admitted to past cocaine use and to an ongoing problem with alcohol.

Mr Purcell initially agreed to a statement being issued by the council referring to his treatment in the clinic for “drink and previous use of drugs”. This was blocked by his personal lawyer, who advised to state it was due to “stress and exhaustion”.

Prior to admitting his problem, in May 2009 Mr Purcell had been warned by senior police officers Scottish Crime and Drug Enforcement Agency that he was at risk of blackmail, after they found his name in evidence they had found.

Mr McAllister's letter continued: "As you can understand, I am concerned that council decisions were made whilst Mr Purcell was allegedly under the influence of chemical substances."

Senior Labour figures had been informed about Purcell’s drink and drug use two years ago, but chose to denounce the allegations as simply “malicious”. Yet at the same time Labour prevented Purcell from becoming the party’s candidate in the Glasgow East by-election as a result of similar concerns.

Martin Doran of GMB, the union representing council staff, said: “I sincerely hope Steven gets his health and life back on track, but there are now deep concerns and anxiety that he was making decisions impacting upon thousands of employees when he was ill.”

Glasgow East SNP MP John Mason has requested an open and transparent investigation into the practices of the council in recent years. City Council has refused to review decisions made, claiming that Mr Purcell had no real influence in city chambers.

Mr Mason said: “The events of recent days are a personal tragedy for Steven Purcell, and I wish him well in his recovery. But that personal tragedy cannot and must not be allowed to deflect attention from the serious questions the Labour Party must now answer at local, Scottish and UK level.”