THE events of the last week demonstrate the chaos that lies at the heart of Glasgow’s SNP administration.

Two further resignations, taking the total up to four since the beginning of the term. And the remarkable thing is that for those who have spoken out, the reasons are all the same.

Political groups are always turbulent places, especially when dealing with less cash and more demand on services. Ultimately, decisions about priorities have to be made, and someone will disagree. That’s not a side effect, but an integral dynamic. The ability to manage that dynamic is the test of leadership.

And all the evidence says that test has been failed by the leader of the council.

In three years, we’ve seen three resignations citing bullying and intimidation. Earlier this year, it was just two votes that saved the leader of the council’s position in her own group. And now we are just one absence or defection away from the ruling SNP having to build support from more than one political group.

Some might take this as an opportunity to engage in Schadenfreude. Indeed, given the context, some might well think that I have given in to that temptation.

But, there is no happiness to be derived from this, regardless of partisan allegiances. Glasgow does

not have the luxury

of being caught in the middle of a chaotic administration.

Just look at the road that lies ahead of us, as we emerge from lockdown: rebuilding our economy better than before; meeting the challenge of net zero carbon emissions and making sure Glasgow is sustainable for future generations; and making our city a more equal, fairer place for everyone.

That road is long, and arduous. There is no shortcut and no easy answer. The moment demands that we be braver and bolder, and to set aside our partisan allegiances.

It is that constructive approach to opposition, rooted in our values and flowing from our principles, that Labour seeks to bring to the City Chambers.

We need a post-Covid accord for Glasgow, a vision towards which we can all build. Yes, there will be bitter disagreements about parts of that vision, but all motivated by a genuine belief that Glasgow can be better.

That is no small task. But the city needs a leader who is capable of reaching beyond partisan lines, who can value the contribution made by others and take people on the journey that our city needs to undertake.

A letter in Tuesday’s Glasgow Times underlined the point precisely, headlined: “Our Council is becoming arrogant… and I’m SNP”. If the leader of the council cannot convince members of the SNP to support her position, how can the city be expected to do so?

I have previously called on Councillor Aitken to consider her position. The events of the last week just confirm it. Susan Aitken’s position is now untenable. The journey ahead

of the city means we need

new leadership and a new approach.

Glasgow deserves so much better than this.