THE Leader of Glasgow City Council has denied allegations of bullying and harassment following the resignation of two SNP members.

On Thursday councillor Susan Aitken was asked by Conservative Leader Thomas Kerr to respond to the events which saw councillors Glenn Elder and Russell Robertson resign the whip.

It has since emerged Mr Elder has been accused of ‘inappropriate conduct’ by a staff member, following a conversation with him on council premises, which left the individual feeling uncomfortable.

Councillor Susan Aitken confirmed she had been made aware of a complaint and said it was the council’s policy to take these allegations seriously.

She added that it was difficult to decide what course of action would be best in this situation.

She said: “A reshuffle of committee is not bullying - it is politics. A complaint was made to me by a member of staff which I had to act upon. It was hard to decide how best to respond.

“The bullying and harassment policy which we agreed means that the wishes of the complainer must take precedence.”

Ms Aitken said that it was up to constituents to decide if Mr Elder’s and Mr Robertson’s decision to sit as independent councillors was the right one.

She added that the SNP would continue to support the people of Glasgow.

Ms Aitken said: “It is almost two years since people in Glasgow voted for change. No party gained a clear majority.

“The SNP was the biggest single party to top the polls in every single ward. In two-years we have resolved the pay dispute, encouraged Barclays to create jobs in the city and secured one of the hubs for the new channel 4.

“It is unfortunate that two of the SNP members decided to leave the party. It was their decision and it will be for their constituents to decide if that’s what they expected from their representatives.

“The SNP will continue to deliver for the people of Glasgow.”