Gordon Brown linked to Steven Purcell's fall

Published on Wednesday 17 March 2010 21:43

QUESTIONS were asked yesterday over how much Prime Minister Gordon Brown knew about former Glasgow council leader Steven Purcell's woes before his fall from grace.

During Prime Minister's questions, Mr Brown was asked about suggestions that a "Downing Street staffer" was involved in a conference call about "the suitability" of Mr Purcell in July 2008.

The implication behind the question from SNP Westminster leader Angus Robertson was that the Prime Minister might have been aware of the concerns around Mr Purcell almost two years ago and done nothing about it, leaving him as leader of Scotland's biggest council.

Mr Purcell's resignation has been linked to cocaine addiction, and there have been concerns raised about links with organised crime and party donors.

The alleged conference call took place ahead of the Glasgow East by-election, although Mr Purcell and Labour have always maintained he did not want to be a candidate.

Mr Brown answered: "I know nothing of what he says, but I shall look at it."