AS you know, Johann Lamont MSP has decided to stand down as Leader of the Scottish Labour Party.

I would like to pay tribute to someone I've been proud to call my friend as well as my political boss.

Johann took over the leadership at a difficult time for the party, just after Labour lost the Scottish Parliament election in 2011.

She led Labour to victories in the 2012 council elections, many by-elections and played a major role in the recent referendum campaign which resulted in a clear 400,000 majority for No.

Even Johann's political opponents respect her integrity, intelligence and her unwavering commitment to tackling inequality.

I wish her well as she steps back from the bruising frontline of politics and I look forward to working alongside her as she continues to serve her Pollok constituents and the Labour Party that she loves.

Of course, there has also been a change of leadership by the SNP, following Alex Salmond's decision to resign after the referendum defeat.

At a personal level I wish Alex and his wife Moira happiness in retirement.

I also congratulate Nicola Sturgeon on her election as leader of the SNP. I will work along with her and anyone prepared to improve the life chances of Glaswegians.

But I will also hold the Scottish Government's feet to the fire to ensure they deliver on their recent interest in tackling poverty.

To advance this critical issue, I have two specific suggestions for the Scottish Government.

Firstly, stop giving Glasgow a smaller share every year of the available local government budget in Scotland.

This money funds, among other vital services, our schools, social work and third-sector grants.

And secondly, reverse the savage cuts to Glasgow's further education colleges.

n LAST Thursday marked one-year-to-go to the World Gymnastics Championships at Glasgow's Hydro Arena. It will run from October 23 to November 1 2015 and feature the world's 500 best gymnasts from 80 countries, including the sporting superpowers of USA, China, Russia and Japan.

The Championships will be seen by a global television audience of hundreds of millions, reinforcing Glasgow's reputation as a world sporting capital. For those of us who live in the city, and for our tens of thousands of visitors, this will be an opportunity to relive the atmosphere of the Commonwealth Games.

As well as the 10 days of competition, there will be a cultural programme, centred on Merchant City.

I am immensely proud of the staff of our city council family, and our partners who repeatedly deliver fantastic events in Glasgow.

This reflects years of investment in world-class facilities, and the hard work and expertise of thousands of workers and volunteers.