Matheson stands down as Glasgow City Council leader
Matheson was elected to GCC in 1999 and served as justice of the peace, bailie, executive member for education and city treasurer before being elected leader in 2010.
He plans to remain as ward councillor for Anderston/City but will not stand again in the 2017 elections.
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Hide AdAnnouncing his resignation, the Labour councillor said: “One of the judgements of politics is to know when to move on. The time is right for me to consolidate the successes I have enjoyed in Glasgow in recent years and progress to the next phase in my career.
“The decision was made by me some weeks ago. By confirming the date, the process can begin to effect a smooth transition to a new leader in time for the next meeting of the full council.”
He added: “I am ready to pass the baton to the next leader, but not before thanking from the bottom of my heart all of the dedicated and professional public servants who work across the council family, my fellow councillors especially my colleagues in the Labour Group, everyone across the city and beyond who has worked alongside me in recent years to make Glasgow better, and above all the people of Glasgow.
“None of this would have been possible without you.”
A new leader will be appointed on September 10.