To a packed House of Commons, the Moray MP asked: “Given the Prime Minister will have looked
closely at the tragic case, will he say whether a Downing Street staffer took part in a conference call in July 2008 to discuss the suitability of Steven Purcell?”
Mr Brown replied that he knew nothing of the matter Mr Robertson had raised but would look into it.
Later, the SNP said the PM was under growing pressure to fully disclose his knowledge about Steven Purcell, Glasgow council decisions and Labour donors.
Mr Robertson noted that Mr Brown had “worked very closely” with the former council leader and that “it appears Downing Street staffers were involved in discussions” about Mr Purcell’s suitability.
He added: “The time has come for full disclosure. The Prime Minister needs to back a full independent inquiry.”
The move comes as the SNP group in Glasgow submits an official request for a special meeting of the council to discuss recent events, the allegations surrounding Mr Purcell and the future direction of the authority.
Last night, Labour hit back and branded Mr Robertson’s behaviour pathetic.
Tom Harris, the Labour MP for Glasgow South, said: “The SNP started off by expressing sympathy for Steven Purcell but since then all they have done is convince themselves there are votes to be won by exploiting this tragic case and are now trying to smear the Prime Minister. It’s pathetic.”
The former minister added: “If they have any substantial allegations, they should make them and stop trying to present rumour and hearsay as facts.”
The SNP group said the allegations had damaged the council’s reputation and has demanded independent investigations into “recent practices and decisions of the council’.
The Nationalists have already asked Strathclyde Police to investigate the circumstances surrounding Mr Purcell’s shock resignation.
The 37-year-old stood down on March 2 after entering a re-habilitation clinic that specialises in drink and drug problems.
Gordon Brown said he would look into the matter raised by Mr Robertson
