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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
National
Alasdair Ferguson

Multiple Labour MPs still holding onto their councillor positions told to resign

GLASGOW Labour councillors elected as MPs at the July General Election who are still in their positions at the local authority have been asked to resign.

Both Patricia Ferguson and Maureen Burke have yet to vacate from their position seven weeks on from the General Election as they have been accused of not giving their post in the local authority “the attention it deserves”.

Neither the North East or Drumchapel/Anniesland Glasgow wards have had a by-election due to the two MPs still holding their position.

Now the Glasgow Green Party are calling for the resignation of the two politicians as they say the positions need to be filled by someone who isn’t spending “all their time working in London”.

Cllr Jon Molyneux, co-leader of the Glasgow Green Party councillor group, said: “Constituents across Drumchapel/Anniesland and North East deserve to have the full attention of their councillors, not being represented by someone spending all their time working in London. It’s about time for them to stop holding on to their dual mandate and allow their constituents to choose their replacements.”

Ellie Gomersall, elections and campaigns co-manager, Glasgow Green Party said: “Councillors are crucial in providing representation in local areas and new MPs should appreciate how important the role is.

“Having someone holding onto their seat while they focus on their Westminster work is a real shame. We’ve opened our nominations and will be ready to fight the by-elections when it comes.”

It is understood that both MPs have frozen their salaries despite holding the roles as councilors.

Ferguson and Burke are not the only Labour MPs who are still holding onto their local government positions as Stirling Council leader Chris Kane who became an MP in the last general election is also yet to resign from his role.

Both Glasgow councillors have been approached for comment.

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