Glasgow East MP John Mason welcomed reports that Strathclyde Police are "assessing" the evidence in relation Steven Purcell, following press reports admitting drug taking and supply, and concerns that Mr Purcell may have been open to pressure and blackmail from organised criminals.

Strathclyde Police are reported in today's Daily Mail: "Following recent press and media reports relating to Mr Steven Purcell, Strathclyde Police is assessing the information available to them."

In the interview in the Sun on Monday, it says that Purcell "suffered the emotional breakdown amid fears gangsters had a video of him snorting cocaine."

Following a visit by the Scottish Crime and Drug Enforcement Agency Purcell adds: "I told close colleagues at the council about it because I think it is important to be honest.  They were happy for me to carry on - with the strict condition it didn't happen again."

Mr Mason said: "I wrote again to the police on Monday, requesting that they investigate the clear evidence of wrongdoing, and welcome this development.

"But this issue goes well beyond the sad circumstances of one individual, and raises questions about propriety in the council that are of genuine concern to my constituents.

"The information that is now in the public domain confirms not simply that Mr Purcell used cocaine, but also raises issues of drug supply, and the very real fear that criminals had a video of him and could blackmail him.

"Given the public interest, I very much hope that Strathclyde Police will investigate all of these highly serious issues."