A WAVE of political sackings at Scotland's largest council has seen potential Labour dissidents and deselected veterans removed from key posts.
The purge in the ruling Labour administration at Glasgow City Council follows weeks of bitterness on the back of a party HQ-driven clear-out of around 20 councillors ahead of next year’s local government elections.
The authority’s leadership said the removals were about putting a team in place for the May 2012 poll, amid speculation the SNP could take the Labour stronghold.
But the axings have a hint of revenge against several elected members many in the party hold responsible for sowing recent unrest.
Key casualties include east end councillors Andy Muir and Euan McLeod, close friends of former leader Steven Purcell.
Both were axed from Strathclyde Police Authority, while Mr Muir has lost his role as vice-chairman of the licensing board and Mr McLeod was removed from a similar role on planning.
Shaukat Butt has been sacked as chairman of Glasgow Community Safety Services after being charged with assaulting his wife. He was also removed from Cosla’s community safety group.
Other casualties include veterans Pat Chalmers and Jim McNally, the suspended Ruth Black and Irfan Rabbani.
Gordon Matheson, Leader of Glasgow City Council said: “There should be no doubt about Glasgow Labour’s intention to win the local government election in May. No-one takes success for granted.”
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