Glasgow’s opposition councillors have agreed that Scotland’s new First Minister must deliver a fairer and “better deal” for the city.
During last week’s full council meeting, council leader Susan Aitken said that she was “confident” that Humza Yousaf would deliver on his promise and that his election was a moment of “historic significance.
She said the SNP’s new leader had committed to working on a new deal for councils, and she will be “on at him” weekly to make sure he follows up on his promise.
READ MORE: Glasgow leader confident new First Minister will deliver better deal for city
During the meeting she said: “The new First Minister explicitly said that he wants to work with councils on a new deal for local government. The commitment to reduce ring fencing that he’s also made will be an extremely important part of that new deal.”
Since his election, leaders of the Glasgow Greens, Labour and Conservative groups have all wished Mr Yousaf well in his new role but reiterated the importance of delivering a new deal for local governments and a “fairer deal” for Glasgow in particular.
Councillor Jon Molyneux, co-leader of the Greens, said:“ We welcome the appointment of Humza Yousaf as Scotland's new First Minister.
“His appointment is an historic moment for our Muslim and South Asian communities in particular. We are also pleased that he has committed to building on the partnership with the Scottish Greens in government that is already delivering for people and the planet.
“In the context of Glasgow, it’s obviously good to have another city representative as First Minister. It will be important that he has delivered a new deal for local government, and a fair deal for Glasgow specifically, near the very top of his in tray and we look forward to making progress on this.”
Conservative leader, councillor Thomas Kerr added that Mr Yousaf’s election was a “proud moment for him and his family” and reflected well on Scotland but raised concerns that he had agreed “savage” cuts imposed on Glasgow despite being a local MSP.
Councillor Kerr said: “Given he has been at the heart of this failing SNP government for a decade, I have serious concerns about Humza Yousaf’s ability to deliver for the people and communities of Glasgow.
“He failed as transport minister, failed as justice secretary and has been the worst health secretary since devolution, but he has managed to fail upwards.
“Humza Yousaf has been happy to agree to savage cuts being imposed on Glasgow City Council year after year- despite being a local MSP.
“That is having a devastating impact on front-line services in our communities. Alongside his Green coalition partners, he must finally deliver a fair funding deal for Glasgow City Council and show he is willing to finally stand up for the city he represents.”
Labour Leader George Redmond also expressed his congratulations to the new First Minister but raised concerns that his “chaotic and divided” party was out of touch and out of ideas.
Councillor Redmond said: “I extend my congratulations to Humza Yousaf on his historic election.
‘This is a big moment for Scotland with the election of the first First Minister from an ethnic minority background.
“The leadership contest has shown that this chaotic and divided party is out of touch and out of ideas.
“Humza Yousaf, as a Glasgow MSP, has voted for budgets in the Scottish Parliament which resulted in cuts of over £500m over the past 10 years alone. Our services and communities are having to bear the brunt of SNP austerity.
‘’I hope the new First Minister can reset the relationship between the Scottish Government and the city of Glasgow.
‘’It's time for a new fair deal for Glasgow.’’
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