COUNCILLOR Stephen Curran has pulled out of the race to succeed Gordon Matheson as leader of Glasgow City Council.

The education convenor had previously indicated that he intended to seek the support of his council colleagues.

However, he said today: 'After speaking with a range of colleagues about the leader vacancy, have decided it's not for me.'

He also thanked those that backed him for their 'support and encouragement'.

Curran and Councillor Frank McAveety were joint favourites for the most powerful post in Scottish local government.

Now McAveety must only see off the challenge of Councillor Malcolm Cunning, who is the most recent member of the Labour group to announce his candidacy for the top job.

Councillor Matheson brought forward the date of his departure to September 10 after failing to win the Scottish Labour deputy leadership contest.