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Purcell loses second Labour sear |
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Friday, 31 March 2006 |
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Questions must arise over Steven Purcell's leadership of the Council's Labour Group. His predecessor, Charlie Gordon, did not lose a single by-election during his 6 years in power. But now Cllr Purcell has lost 2 by-elections in 6 weeks!
First the SNP won Milton and now the LibDems have won Kings Park. With Labour already expected to lose several seats in May 2007, having a leader who has lost the public's confidence will be a cause for concern.
Commenting on the Kings Park result, John Mason, the SNP Group Leader, said "It was obviously disappointing for us to come third. I suppose having 24% of the vote on a poor day should not be too disheartening but we always want to win every by-election!"
On the question of whether Steven Purcell would continue as Labour Group Leader, he said, "Charlie Gordon spoke out for Glasgow and was not afraid of standing up to government ministers (or anyone else!). As such he was a difficult opponent for us. Steven Purcell is an easier target and I think we are beginning to see that in two very different areas, Milton and Kings Park. The people of Glasgow are obviously not happy with the direction Cllr Purcell is trying to take them in."
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