PRIME MINISTER PUSHED ON GLASGOW LABOUR CRISIS

PRIME MINISTER PUSHED ON GLASGOW LABOUR CRISIS

ANSWERS DEMANDED FROM DOWNING STREET

The Prime Minister Gordon Brown is under growing pressure to fully
disclose his knowledge about Stephen Purcell, Glasgow Council decisions
and Labour donors.

At Prime Minister’s Questions today (Wednesday) he was unable to confirm
to Westminster SNP leader Angus Robertson whether a Downing Street staffer
was involved in a conference call about the suitability of Stephen Purcell
in July 2008.

Mr Purcell recently resigned as the Labour leader of Glasgow Council
amidst reports of illegal drug use. The Council and Labour Party have
faced requests from the GMB Union and others for a review of Council
contracts agreed under the leadership of Mr Purcell.

Speaking about the Prime Minister's role Westminster SNP Leader Angus
Robertson MP said:

"Gordon Brown worked very closely with Stephen Purcell and it appears that
Downing Street staffers were involved in discussions about the suitability
of the Council Leader.

"Given the widespread concerns about the Labour leadership of Glasgow
Council and connections with Labour donors, the time has come for full
disclosure.

"The Prime Minister needs to back a full independent inquiry.”