THE prominent Labour councillor in charge of Glasgow's £2billion-plus budget is to quit.

Paul Rooney, the city council Treasurer for the past five years, is to step down next month to take up a new role away from politics.

The former Strathclyde Police Authority chairman will, however, continue as a councillor until the 2017 local elections.

Mr Rooney, who remains a member of the Scottish Police Authority, is to take up a new job with a private sector firm involved in IT.

The move though presents council leader Frank McAveety with a major dilemma as he seeks a replacement for Mr Rooney  with two of the toughest years in local government finances in recent times coming down the line.

 

The Herald: The exit of Mr Rooney, along with several other high-profile figures, has also being seen as a further haemorrhaging of experienced councillors  from local government.

During his time in the post, Mr Rooney changed the role of Treasurer, using it to take on pay day lenders, fixed odds gambling machines and creating Credit Union accounts for school kids.

He has also been credited with increasing services to people with gambling problems, cancer, and backgrounds in the Armed Forces, while his tenure saw a marked increase in Council Tax collection rates.

Former SNP group leader Graeme Hendry, who shares a ward with Mr Rooney and is also stepping away from politics at the next election, paid tribute to his political rival but warned of the impact on the Labour administration.

He said: "Paul is easily the most respected and talented Labour councillor in the Chamber. 

"His decision to stand down as City Treasurer for a fresh challenge is understandable but there is no doubt this leaves Cllr McAveety with a massive headache as he tries to replace him whilst preventing his less able internal opponents from becoming an even greater problem for his administration."

Mr Rooney said:  “The time is now right for me to take a step back from frontline politics and consider new opportunities which will allow me to use the skills and knowledge I have developed over the years. I am going to take a permanent position outside politics.

“However I will continue to be based here in Glasgow which will allow me the flexibility to continue to represent my community effectively and the residents I have had the privilege to serve over the last decade.”

Mr McAveety said: “Paul has been City Treasurer at a time when Glasgow has been confronted with the worst ever programme of budget cuts from the Scottish and Westminster governments.

Paul has spared no effort to protect the poor and vulnerable in Glasgow and he has done that with determination and great financial skill. We wish him well in the next stage of his career.”