The re-structuring of Glasgow’s City Council wards will not be the only change in the Southside’s political scene at the  local government elections on May 3.

A number of the Southside’s city councillors are saying goodbye to the city chambers - with golden handshakes of up to £20,000 each - leaving the campaign trail for seats in the new multi-member wards to newcomers.
Gorbals Councillor James Mutter will be retiring after 23 years, having seen the area change dramatically in his time in office.

Councillor Mutter told the LOCAL NEWS, ‘I promised I would change the face of the Gorbals and I think I’ve kept my promise. Around £2 million pounds has been invested in the area thanks to the Crown Street Regeneration programme. I helped secure a purpose-built Library and Learning Centre and the Leisure Centre. There is still work to be done with the regeneration of Laurieston, for example. I think I achieved what I set out to do. Gorbals is a different place and I think that people recognise that.’

Over on the Southern fringe of the city, Glenwood Councillor and Deputy Lord Provost Bailie Christine Devine will also be retiring from politics after 15 years of service.

Bailie Devine told the LOCAL NEWS, ‘There are things that I would like to have achieved that I didn’t manage. But I think  every Councillor has that feeling to some extent. I’m proud of being able to secure new schools in Castlemilk and of being able to support the local housing association. I’m most proud of being able to serve my constituents. I have always said that I’m into politics with a small p, but into community with a big C.’

The SNP’s first Asian City Councillor, Bashir Ahmad, will also be moving on. Councillor Ahmad will stand as the number 2 list MSP for the SNP in May’s Scottish Parliament elections after one term as a city councillor for Pollokshields East.

Councillor Ahmad told the LOCAL NEWS, ‘Maxwell Park, which was lying empty for years, is now full of children playing. The seven CCTV cameras in Pollokshields are now up and running and will soon be accompanied by new white street lighting, making the area safer for everyone.’

Other councillors pursuing career changes are Maxwell Park’s Councillor Alan Rodger, who will continue his career as a solicitor, and Mount Florida Councillor and Executive member for Culture and Leisure Services John Lynch, who returns to his job in the civil service after special unlimited leave.

In North Cardonald, Margaret Sinclair is retiring, to be replaced by newcomer and local resident Matthew Kerr on the Labour ticket, and in Darnley Councillor Michael Kernaghan has been de-selected in favour of Tommy Morrison, a former Hurlet Community Councillor and chairman of both Glasgow South West and Glasgow City Labour Groups.