Glasgow Council Leader Gordon Matheson announced that he will step down from his position next month, on Sept. 10. A new council leader will be appointed on the same day. The councillor has been in position for five years.
The reason for stepping down, according to Matheson, is to "progress to the next phase in my career" and also "the time is right," BBC reported.
It has been speculated that Matheson wants to represent the candidacy for the Scottish Parliament elections next year. He stood as a candidate in the Scottish Labour deputy leadership contest but was defeated by Fife MSP Alex Rowley, which was announced on Saturday.
"The decision I have announced today 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," Matheson said. "Being leader of the city I love has been the greatest honor of my life. It is not a job for the faint-hearted, especially given the budget cuts we have had to contend with, but I would not have missed this experience for the world."
"Glasgow is Scotland's big success story. There is a buzz about this city. We have a great international reputation following the delivery of the best ever Commonwealth Games. Our population is growing again and educational attainment in the city is improving every year," he added, according to the Daily Record.
Matheson joined the council in 1999. Before serving that position, he served as justice of peace, bailie, executive member for education and city treasurer.
Following Matheson's decision to step down, Glasgow City Council SNP Group Leader Susan Aitken said on SNP's website:
"Although we had disagreements over policy and strategy, no one could doubt Gordon Matheson's commitment to Glasgow. He worked in partnership with the Scottish Government to deliver the best ever Commonwealth Games in the city and their legacy has the potential to benefit Glasgow for many years to come. He deserves our thanks for his years of public service and I and the members of the SNP group in the City Chambers wish him well in whatever he chooses to do in future."
