SNP Councillors and MSPs have expressed their disappointment with the business as usual approach from Labour councillors on SPT.

Despite calls from opposition councils and the Scottish Government for SPT to adopt a balanced political leadership today's meeting of the board saw Labour members annoint a new Labour party leadership to the troubled transport body.

Questions have been raised over Labour's management of SPT since allegations emerged over the use of expenses by the Chair, Vice Chair and Chief Executive - all of whom have now resigned.

The First Minister this week urged SPT to reform itself and the Transport Minister urged the board to accept a balanced leadership.

Commenting on the vote to endorse a new round of Labour councillors as Chair and Vice Chair SNP Councillor Graeme Hendry said:

"This business as usual approach from Labour will not bring the change SPT needs.

"It is deeply disappointing that Labour refused to see sense over the appointment of either the chair or vice chair and any prospect for immediate reform at SPT is now in question.

"That the new chair was part of the now notorious trip to the UEFA cup in Manchester which saw the downfall of his predecessor only makes this decision even more backward.

SNP MSP Sandra White who raised the issue at First Ministers Question said:

"The First Minister was clear that if SPT do not reform themselves they may find someone else does it for them.

"A balanced board would be the way forward and it is disappointing that at a time when SPT needs to rebuild its reputation and its services Labour have failed to see that.

"SPT will be being watched very closely not just by councillors but by the people of Strathclyde who deserve far better than it has given them in the past."