SNP Local Government Minister Derek Mackay says the shambolic situation at Glasgow City Chambers is making Labour a laughing stock and Gordon Matheson and his bedraggled Labour Party councillors should walk now as Glasgow deserves better. 

Mr Mackay said that while Labour accusations of bullying, threats and back-stabbing at George Square continue the job of delivering the services to Glasgow must remain a priority.

He said:

"The collapse of the Labour Party in Glasgow over the council budget has shown they are unfit to serve the people of Glasgow and unfit for purpose.

"The local elections are three months away and it is unfair to the people of this great city to have a council led by a party completely devoid of any credibility.

"There is a real need for change and voters across Glasgow will have that opportunity to clear out Labour's dead wood and bring in a fresh, open and transparent SNP administration that will work hard for the city at the council elections in May.

"Gordon Matheson and the councillors remaining on his sinking ship in the Labour Party now have a junk-status credit rating with the people of Glasgow and across the country.

"Following on from the SNP by-election success (Hillhead), it is clear that not only are Labour members deserting Labour, the public is too. Labour's fightback was to begin at the council elections - but it is clear they aren't done fighting with each other.

"Former Labour Councillor Rabbani has exposed Labour's tendency to pick fights with people rather work for the city, that's no way to run a council.  It is really is time for a fresh start in Glasgow, the city deserves better.

"In my role as Minister for Local Government and Planning I enjoy working with councils of varying political colours that are elected by people from all over Scotland but the scenes from yesterday inside the proud old building at George Square were embarrassing, and deeply damaging. Labour's position in Glasgow is now completely untenable.
 
"The SNP will work tirelessly for Glasgow and deliver a professional hard-working city council that matches the aspirations and demands of all the people in Glasgow."