Labour silence shows Glasgow needs champions

Following another damning morning of revelations over Labour's operation in Glasgow City Council and the actions and associates of former council leader and Labour rising star Steven Purcell SNP MP for Glasgow East John Mason said the case for an independent inquiry was becoming clearer by the day.

Commenting on a range of revelations in the newspapers including reports that Labour Cllr, Police Board Convener and possible successor Paul Rooney knew the SCDEA had been to visit Mr Purcell and that another Purcell ally Cllr Ryan was aware of Mr Purcell's issues with alcohol, as well as reports of drug use and possible associates in the Sunday Mail and news in the Sunday Times that police are again considering if they will investigate Mr Mason - Glasgow's only non-Labour MP - said: "Without a police investigation and an independent inquiry this daily drip of allegations will simply continue and I welcome reports that the Crown Office are in discussion with the police about launching such an investigation.

"The case for an inquiry into Labour's disastrous handling of Steven Purcell's problems grows stronger by the day.

"No one wants to see Glasgow's name continually damaged by the Labour party.  The people of Glasgow deserve better.

"Labour's conspiracy of silence shows that Glasgow needs strong local champions who will speak up for the people of this city and be on their side at all times.

"With claims in newspapers today that the former council leader was targeted by drug dealers and the admission from Cllr Rooney, the Convenor of the Police Board and a close associate of Purcell's that he knew about the SCDEA visit makes Labour's position all the more indefensible.

"It has been claimed that Steven Purcell would welcome an inquiry so why and what are Labour hiding.

"Given all the material in the public domain, I believe that there must now be a police investigation and Labour need to accept independent scrutiny and allow a light to be shone into the corridors of Glasgow City Chambers and on the actions of the Labour group."

Notes:

1. Speaking on BBC Radio Scotland, Sun Editor David Dinsmore who interviewed Purcell said the former Council leader said he would welcome an inquiry. (Shereen, Sun 4th April)

2. Sunday Mail "Former council chief Steven Purcell's cocaine party with dealers"

3. Sunday Herald   "Councillor tipped to succeed Purcell admits: 'I knew last year he was quizzed by police'"

4. Sunday Times "Police probe on Purcell closer"