SNP Group Leader of Glasgow City Council, Graeme Hendry has urged Labour Council Leader Gordon Matheson to consider his position following a series of alleged offences while investigations are underway.

Councillor Matheson is to be investigated by the Major Crimes Unit over alleged misconduct during the £100,000 contest to redesign George Square. He has been accused of trying to breach procurement law and coerce officers to do so.

Council boss must do what is best for the city as Glasgow prepares for 2014 Games

Following Gordon Matheson being reported to the Public Standards Commissioner by the Royal Incorporation of Architects over alleged improper staff coercion over the George Square design, the SNP are calling for him to consider his position as Glasgow gears up for the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

Councillor Graeme Hendry, Leader of the SNP Opposition in Glasgow, said: “Labour in Glasgow yesterday chose to attack the ex-Council officer who said Gordon Matheson tried to coerce him into breaking the law over George Square shows their desperation.

Commenting on the announcement that Gordon Matheson’s George Square judging panel have been over-ruled in the decision on the future of George Square, SNP Anderston/City Councillor Martin Docherty said: “The entire process for the redevelopment of George Square, following Council approval to proceed, has been a farcical vanity project led by Gordon Matheson. 

"The consultation process was flawed from the start by the Council Leader’s determination to remove the famous statues in the square, minimise grassed areas in the city centre and continue his obsession with water features.

Maryhill/Kelvin SNP councillor John Letford is encouraging his constituents to prepare for the cold months ahead by making use of the Scottish Government’s Home Energy Hotline.

His call comes after a new survey found that almost 80 per cent of Scots are concerned about the cost of their energy bills this winter. And, while many Scots use or would be interested in using loft (45%) or wall (32%) insulation to help make their homes warmer, only 29 per cent of people said they have claimed the free home insulation they are eligible for.

Concern at level of support for third sector

Commenting on today’s announcement that Glasgow City Council is committed to rent support for new start up businesses, SNP Leader of the Opposition, Councillor Graeme Hendry said: “Glasgow has historically underperformed when it comes to new business start ups, so I welcome any initiative that tackles this.  As with all council announcements the devil will be in the detail as to how this works. I hope Councillors will get the chance to scrutinise this policy soon to ensure we get the most out of this limited pot of money.

MacLeod seeking answers from Chief Executive

Following the calamitous series of events this week in Glasgow concerning proposals to close disability Day Care Centres, led by the Glasgow Labour administration and resisted successfully by Glasgow’s SNP Group, Shadow City Treasurer – SNP Councillor Norman MacLeod – has written to the Council’s Chief Executive seeking answers to questions of legality, cost and process by which the Council brings papers for decision.

“The events of this week have cast a long shadow over democracy in Glasgow.  It has long been assumed that decisions are made behind closed doors, but the paper on proposals to close Learning Disability Day Care centres in Glasgow has shone a bright light on the shady practices employed by Labour in Glasgow.

Apprentice opportunities for local young people hailed by Letford

Glasgow SNP Personnel spokesperson, Councillor John Letford, today welcomed news of a development by Maryhill Housing Association to build 125 new homes as part of an £18m development at Maryhill Locks.

Key to the contract are the Community Benefits clauses.  Community Benefit clauses place a requirement upon a contractor to deliver a wider social benefit as part of the agreed contract.  City Building Glasgow currently has 12 apprenticeships working at Maryhill Locks.