City Chambers veteran outflanks shoo-in to take charge of Glasgow Labour

A VETERAN councillor has pulled off an upset to become the new leader of Glasgow Labour.

Malcolm Cunning lived up to his name by defeating favourite Martin Mcelroy after entering the contest at the 11th hour.

Mr Mcelroy, 32, had been regarded as an early shoo-in for the post, after Frank Mcaveety stood down, saying it was time for a “new generation” to take over.

However, Mr Cunning, 63, stood against him at last week’s group AGM and won by 16 votes to 13.

The support of most of the female councillors in the 30-strong opposition group at Glasgow City Council was seen as critical.

Mr Cunning has said he will contest the next local election in 2022 but not serve a full term.

His deputy leader is Eva Murray, 25, who was elected unopposed at last week’s AGM.

Mr Cunning was first elected to the City Chambers in 2003 and represents the Linn ward on the city’s southside.

He has previously served as the Executive Member for Health and Social Care and Chair of Glasgow City Licensing Board, as well as the Council’s Veterans’ Champion. Women now fill most of the leadership positions within the Labour Group.

Mr Cunning’s win drew criticism from the left of the party.

Senior activist and GMB Scotland organiser Rhea Wolfson tweeted: “Glasgow Labour have been in desperate need for new ideas and a new direction for a long time. This does not feel like a step forward.”

Mr Cunning said: “I am honoured and grateful that my fellow Labour councillors have placed their trust in me to step up as leader of our group.

“It is less than two years until the next Council election and Glasgow desperately needs an administration that stands up for our city and our communities.

“Labour in Glasgow will always put our city first and pursue policies made in Glasgow, for Glasgow.

“I look forward to working alongside Councillor Eva Murray and the wider Labour team in holding the current administration to account.

“The proposals revealed over the weekend, to effectively shut Citizens Advice Bureaux across the city, show just how important it is to have a Council that stands up for Glasgow, and against SNP cuts.”

Ms Murray, who takes over from Archie Graham, said: “Glasgow has been let down badly by this SNP administration. Time after time, they have sided with the Scottish Government, while they make devastating cuts instead of fighting for a fair deal for the people of Glasgow.

“In the coming months, Glasgow faces perhaps the most challenging circumstances it has ever faced. It needs bold, energetic and ambitious leadership to face those challenges.

Labour lost its grip on the City Chambers after 40 years in 2017, and Glasgow is now run by a minority SNP administration.