Councillors in Glasgow City Council have today elected Gordon Matheson to replace former leader Steven Purcell.

Matheson, who is currently city treasurer, will take over from interim leader Jim Coleman, the man appointed after Purcell stepped down in March citing stress and exhaustion.

This was followed by speculation in the local and national press that he suffered from a cocaine addiction.

Matheson’s deputy is councillor Archie Graham, who is currently the Council’s Executive Member for the Commonwealth Games.

The new leader said: “I am delighted and humbled to have been elected as the Leader of Glasgow City Council.

“The priorities of the administration remain as education and early years, skills and the economy, and targeted support for the vulnerable.

“This is a challenging and exciting time for Glasgow. There are unquestionably difficult economic times ahead, but together we will work through this period and come out stronger.

“The Labour administration is entirely united behind delivering what is best for the people of Glasgow.”

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