Glasgow Labour leader George Redmond has held on to the role after facing a challenge for his job this morning.
Cllr Redmond took over the position following last year’s election, but it is understood some party members were unhappy with his decision not to present alternative budget plans.
Cllr Philip Braat, a former Lord Provost, put himself forward for the leadership role, but Cllr Redmond triumphed by 20 votes to 15.
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Ahead of the meeting, a Labour source said it was “disappointing” that members were being “disruptive” when they should be “pulling together in the interests of the city”.
At budget time in February, Cllr Redmond said his group was standing up to the SNP in Glasgow and Holyrood and wouldn’t take part in the “sham of setting a budget” which cuts services, but some members opposed the move.
Cllr Redmond was re-elected as a councillor last year after previously serving between 1999 and 2017. He challenged the late Malcolm Cunning for the leadership position in May last year and won by 24 votes to 11.
Cllr Redmond said: “I’m delighted to have the confidence of the group once again.
"We are continuing to build a strong opposition against the SNP/Tory imposed austerity measures, combat the cost-of-living crisis in the city, and win support ahead for the UK and Scottish Parliamentary elections.
"We will campaign hard to ensure Glasgow City Council turns red in 2027”
Cllr Soryia Siddique was elected unanimously at the AGM to continue as the Deputy Leader of the Glasgow Labour Group, and said: “Delighted to have the unanimous vote of the group.
“Looking forward to continuing the great work of our leadership team as we build towards the next General Election. We are united to continue to serve our communities and deliver Labour values to our citizens.”
Glasgow’s council is currently run by a minority SNP administration, which returned 37 councillors last May, while Labour is the largest opposition group with 36 members. The Greens, who have 10 councillors, have a working agreement with the SNP.
Frank McAveety will also remain the Labour group's business manager after defeating Stephen Curran by 19 votes to 15, with one spoilt ballot.
On social media, Cllr Malcolm Mitchell, SNP, said Labour was “clearly a heavily divided group”.
“The numbers show that a few Labour councillors who backed Redmond just a year ago have lost faith already. Unsurprising given the disastrous decision to boycott this year’s budget.”
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