Glasgow City Council has filled the gap at the top with the election of a new leader. Cllr Gordon Matheson has been chosen to take over from Stephen Purcell, who resigned after admitting he had taken cocaine. First elected in 1999, Cllr Matheson has previously held the positions of city treasurer and executive member for education. He said: ‘The priorities of the administration remain as education and early years, skills and the economy, and targeted support for the vulnerable. ‘This is a challenging and exciting time for Glasgow. There are unquestionably difficult economic times ahead, but together, we will work through this period and come out stronger.'