Steven Purcell

You know the man. Former leader of Glasgow City Council. Resigned in 2014 amid allegations of alcoholism, cocaine-snorting and depression. Seems to have spent 3 days in rehab - three days! - what a great recovery! - and then went off to Australia to get better. Now he's back and wants to get into politics in Glasgow again.

He's giving interviews. He talks a lot about how he brought the Commonwealth Games to Glasgow. Funny that: I know quite a few people who actually did bring the Games to Glasgow and I don't think they would name Steven Purcell as the chief mover and shaker. 

In the old days, with his connections, Steven would just have strolled back in. Got a safe seat on the council. Made his way back up the greasy pole. But things have changed in Glasgow. It's no longer the Labour stronghold it once was.  The SNP are breathing down their neck. Elected representatives are now having to prove their contribution to the politics of Glasgow and the well-being of the people. And the one thing missing from Steven's interviews is a statement of what he thinks he can do for the people of Glasgow.

Still, I wish him good luck. It would be good to think he has changed and that his thoughts now are about how he can serve the city. We'll see.