By Paul Hutcheon
Scottish Political Editor

ONE of Scottish Labour's most senior figures has stated that independence should be one of the options considered in any debate on constitutional change.

Steven Purcell, leader of Glasgow City Council, said the SNP's priority was "legitimate" in the context of considering changes to the Scottish Parliament.

His stance contradicts the view of Labour's Holyrood leader Wendy Alexander, who does not believe independence should be part of any review of devolution.

The councillor's remarks, which were made in an interview with Holyrood magazine, come as Labour is divided on how to deal with the SNP government.

Alexander backed the creation of a Constitutional Commission to extend the Parliament's powers. The body has explicitly stated it will not consider independence alongside further devolution.

Some Scottish Labour MPs are sceptical, believing it will play to the SNP's agenda. Other MPs, such as Michael Connarty and John Robertson, favour a snap referendum on independence in order to defeat the SNP.

Purcell, who has been tipped as a future leader of Labour at Holyrood, has contradicted Alexander on the constitution by backing a debate on more powers for Holyrood and independence. He said: "Post-devolution Scotland will always have a debate about the Parliament, about the future and yes, it may possibly include independence. It is legitimate that it is part of the debate.

"There are two aspects; those who favour independence and there is always a consensus among other people that we should review the Parliament's powers and what powers it may have. The people who will take the final view are the people of Scotland."

He said his party would take part in the Commission and the National Conversation, which is the Scottish government's consultation on independence. "The administration in Glasgow is reflecting on the debate and we will take part in both consultations. It is right that the elected council in Glasgow speaks for the city," he said.

An SNP spokesperson said: "We welcome these remarks which reflect the inclusive nature of the National Conversation which accommodates the independence option as well as the more powers option. This further isolates Wendy Alexander and the Labour leadership in Scotland who continue to oppose the right of the people to decide their future in a democratic referendum."