Row after minister hits at Glasgow’s Labour council

Derek Mackay called Labour-controlled Glasgow City Council’s leadership “beyond the pale”. But he was accused of “talking Glasgow down” by the city council leader.

Glasgow will be a key battleground in May’s local government elections, with the SNP and Labour set to battle for control of the city.

Mr Mackay, also the SNP’s business convener, hit out at Labour’s “antics” there as he announced the SNP would field a record 600 candidates across Scotland in those elections.

“The antics of the Labour leadership at Glasgow City Council are beyond the pale,” he said. “And anyone can conclude that Glasgow’s Labour leadership is not fit for purpose.”

He told the SNP conference in Glasgow that the city “deserves better than being run by a Labour council at war with itself, who are completely removed for reality and lack the understanding of what is important for the city of Glasgow”.

Gordon Matheson, Glasgow City Council leader, said: “The SNP are unable to stop themselves talking Glasgow down. I find it bizarre that the SNP minister – a government minister, responsible for local government – does nothing in his speech but attack Glasgow.

“Where is his vision for Glasgow? The fact they have gone negative so early shows how rattled they are.”