WHATEVER you think of the result, I suspect you are pleased that the election campaign is over.

To be honest so am I. Especially because it came so soon after the referendum.

No more leaders' debates or party leaflets through your door.

An end to political broadcasts on the television and canvassers on the phone.

At least until the next time.

I said before the general election and I repeat it now.

Whatever the result, my job is to stand-up for Glasgow.

And, however disappointed I may be with the outcome, as Leader of this city I will work with both governments and any party to advance the interests of Glasgow and my fellow Glaswegians.

This is the mature approach to take.

It respects the decision of the voters across Glasgow, Scotland and the UK as a whole.

Politicians need to accept that the people have spoken and they are the bosses.

It is also an attitude which is most likely to deliver results for this city.

Don't get me wrong.

While I will never go out my way to pick a fight, I will continue to robustly argue our corner whenever I think Glaswegians are being treated unfairly.

For example, I believe the deep cuts to Glasgow's further education colleges by the Edinburgh government are wrong and rob working people, especially women, of the opportunity to get on in life.

I also think the relish with which welfare reform is being pursued by the UK government is heartless and counter-productive.

Working families in this city will be hit hardest.

But now the election is over the public expects politicians to work together on the issues that really matter like jobs, education, housing, and crime.

In that spirit, I have written to all of the newly elected Glasgow MPs to congratulate them.

I have made clear in my letter that I and my colleagues at the council look forward to working with them on behalf of the people of our city.

It is also right to acknowledge the contribution of Glasgow's former MPs who lost their seats at the election. They have worked hard over many years and have served with distinction their constituents and this city.

We thank them for their service and wish them success in whatever they do next.

ONE AREA where we can all work together is on Glasgow's City Deal.

This is a very important 20-year agreement between local councils and both the UK and Scottish governments.

It will bring billions of pounds of investment into the Glasgow economy and create 29,000 new jobs plus 15,000 construction jobs.

The money will support house-building, improve public transport including the long awaited rail-link to Glasgow airport, and help new businesses to grow.

I am proud that Glasgow is the first city in Scotland to have secured a city deal.

It is a major achievement which was driven by our Labour council, and again reflects a partnership approach by the city - in this case involving both governments and all neighbouring councils across the Clyde valley.

I believe the City Deal shows what can be achieved when Glasgow has the power and resources to create opportunities and make decisions for ourselves.

I want Scotland to have more control over our own affairs.

But we shouldn't simply transfer powers between a parliament in London and a parliament in Edinburgh.

The Edinburgh government needs to trust Glasgow with more control over the decisions that affect us locally.

ON THURSDAY of this week the full council meets.

We will be debating a report on progress by Glasgow's schools.

I am delighted to say that our schools are improving year-on-year.

Our exam results and attendance figures are at a record high, and 90% of our school leavers go on to employment, college or university - the highest figure ever.

These successes reflect a long-term focus on education in this city, and are the result of hard work and commitment by young people, their parents, teachers and support staff and the wider school and business community.

Our young people are a credit to this city.

They deserve the best possible start in life.

That is why your Labour council is currently investing £250 million to improve school buildings across the city.

And we fund a £50 million programme to provide jobs and apprenticeships to Glasgow school leavers.

This is the biggest and most successful scheme of its kind in the UK.

We are proud of our young people.

And we are committed to investing in their futures.