VOTES are being counted today to decide who controls Glasgow City Council and delivers services for the people.

The party which wins 43 councillors will be in charge at the City Chambers or else there will be a hung council.

The SNP is standing 56 candidates, Labour 43, The Conservatives, LibDems and Greens 23 each, one in each ward.

MPs and MSPs were out on the last day of campaigning yesterday to back their council candidates.

Stewart McDonald, SNP MP for Glasgow South, said: “Our supporters are enthusiastic and motivated.”

Anas Sarwar, Glasgow Labour MSP said turnout was slow early on in the day.

He said the Labour vote was still strong in many areas.

Patrick Harvie, Green MSP for Glasgow, said he was confident of gains.

He said: “We have been doing well in our target areas so we are hopeful of more Greens.”

He said the party was targeting gains in Langside, Southside central and Pollokshields.

Mr Harvie said: “On a good day we could double our numbers. This is the first time we have run a campaign with this level of organisation.”

Adam Tomkins, Conservative MSP for Glasgow, was upbeat about his party’s chances.

He said: “In our target areas turnout has been good, higher than in other areas of the city.

“Our vote is galvanised and have something clear to come out and vote for.”

He said the Tories were looking at “significant gains”.

At the polling stations people explained who they voted for and why with both national and local issues playing a part.

Siofra Hill, 38, said education was the main issue for her.

She said: “The consultation about enrolling boys in to Notre Dame is a big issue around here.

“And my vote is based on the best response candidates have been able to provide.

“Facilitating the change would make life a lot easier for parents in this area and it would prevent a great group of pupils and parents from splitting up.”

Sven Werner, 43, a film-maker, said: “I come from Germany and have been living in Glasgow for seven years so when voting the issue of Brexit influenced my decision.

“I know it is a national issue and not a local issue but I felt inclined to vote for the party that was pro-Europe.”

Zoe Young, 30, who works for the NHS said: “It’s the first time I’ve felt down in the dumps about voting – there are so many issues to consider.

“I can tell you I had Conservatives last.

“For me my top preferences were Greens, Labour and Lib Dems in that order.

“I’m still very much pro-Labour – maybe not locally but from the national perspective. It was quite difficult not to think about the national issues when I was making this vote.”

JAMES ARTHUR, 84, who voted Conservative said:

“I had a very clear idea of who I voted for.

“I feel I gave a wee bit of support to a councillor with positive views.

I also like the LibDem candidate.”

John McGinley, 72, a retired psychologist said: “I’m voting for Labour, but I’m voting for a revival more than anything else. It doesn’t look good for Labour but I still feel the party is the only one that purveys good socialist values.

“I’m just voting for Labour –

I don’t want to share my vote.”

Before going in to the polling station Laura Gould, 35, an archivist said: “I am undecided – I have only had a manifesto for one of the parties through my door.

“I normally vote Labour and I will probably vote Green as well as there is a lot of environmental issues in Glasgow I am very concerned about.”

David Campbell, 70, a retired joiner said: “My vote is based on the condition of the roads and schools.

“The council needs a revamp hence the reason why I voted SNP.

I gave them both my votes.

“More money needs to be given to schools throughout Glasgow. I have grandkids and I feel they’re not getting the education they really should be.”