Local Politics in Glasgow

The article "Heartland Attack: the Death and Messy Rebirth of Labour in Glasgow" published March 25 in the Economist discusses the loss of support for the labour party in a city it has dominated for 30 years. The article describes the labour presence in Glasgow as a "formidable political power machine." In previous years labour was doing poorly if it won 70 out of the 79 council seats. Now they hold only 45, with the Scottish Nationalists posing fierce competition.

There are many reasons for this decline in support. The once popular Labour leader of the city council, Steven Purcell, was forced to resign due to drug problems. In the wake of his leaving, the Labour Party has come under allegations of favoratism and pocket lining. A recent restructuring of city government handed over duties previously managed by the council to 11 private businesses. Opponents of the Labour Party are accusing the council of favoring businesses owned by Labour supporters. Glasgow is also facing economic difficulties which the Labour regime is proving unable to cope with. Unemployment is at 8.9%, close to double the Scottish average.

This article relates to change in government and transparency. Support is shifting away from the party that has held power since the 1980s. The Labour party has come under allegations of favoratism and shady economic practices (both of which relate to transparency) and as a result is losing votes.