Steven Purcell resignation - The story so far

Published on Friday 5 March 2010 18:07

The leader of Glasgow City Council Steven Purcell resigned this week prompting allegations of "chemical dependency". Here are the main developments so far:

Monday, March 8

Glasgow City Council refuses to review any decisions made by Steven Purcell following revelations about his private life.

Sunday, March 7

Steven Purcell was warned about being linked to crime figures in the city who were being investigated by police, Scotland on Sunday reveals.

Saturday, March 6

Steven Purcell is withdrawing from public life, amid growing concern about the state of his health and the nature of his "chemical dependency". The news came as it emerged the former leader of Glasgow City Council had a "private meeting" with officers from Scotland's elite drug squad.

It also emerged that an 18-year-old "Facebook friend" of Mr Purcell collapsed outside Glasgow's City Chambers on Friday and later died. Danus McKinlay was walking along Cochrane Street near George Square when he suddenly became ill. The young Glasgow City Council employee was rushed to hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

Friday, March 5

Lawyers acting for Steven Purcell demand the ex-leader's former Glasgow City Council colleagues are investigated over revelations in The Scotsman about his "chemical dependency".

The complaint will be considered by the Information Commissioner's Office.

Thursday, March 4

The Scotsman reveals that Glasgow City Council were on the verge of declaring Steven Purcell was reigning due to "chemical dependency".

However, Mr Purcell, 37, then brought in his own public relations advisers and, through them, drafted an alternative statement that blamed "stress and exhaustion" for his decision to quit.

Wednesday, March 3

A statement issued by PR boss Jack Irvine, of Glasgow-based Media House, states Mr Purcell is no longer a patient of Castle Craig Hospital and is recovering with family.

The Peeblesshire centre specialises in the treatment of patients with alcohol and drug addictions.

Tuesday, March 2

An emergency meeting of the Labour grouping of Glasgow City Council accepts Mr Purcell's resignation with his his deputy, Jim Coleman, appointed as interim leader.

Tuesday, March 2

Mr Purcell's lawyer releases a statement stating that the Labour politician is recovering from exhaustion in the "care of professionals".

The stress of running one of the UK's biggest authorities and the fall-out from the SPT expenses scandal are given as reasons for his resignation.

Monday, March 1

Mr Purcell telephoned council officials to confirm his resignation at 9pm on Monday.

Saturday, February 27

Glasgow City Council leaders are made aware of Steven Purcell's intention to resign as Council Leader

Friday, February 26

The leader of Glasgow Council holds "convivial" talks with MSPs.

Thursday, February 25

Steven Purcell attends a Labour fundraising events at the Glasgow Hilton hotel with Prime Minister Gordon Brown.

• Profile: Steven Purcell

• Lawyer's statement and the ex-tabloid editor