Over ‘cash for votes’ claim
the most seats in the city after generations of Labour rule.
Opponents claimed the announcement breached purdah rules which prevents major government announcements in the buildup to elections which could be seen to sway the outcome in favour of the governing party.
The Scottish Government’s top civil servant, Permanent Secretary Leslie Evans, declared no guidance had been broken after concerns were raised.
But a internal government correspondence released through Freedom of Information yesterday stated: “These decisions are ultimately a judgment call and it is clear on this occasion the wrong call was made.”
Tory MSP Ross Thomson demanded a full investigation, but a Scottish Government spokeswoman insisted that the “error in judgment” referred to the failures to consult more senior officials.