THE long-awaited annual general meeting of Glasgow's ruling Labour Group is set to go ahead on June 8, but the posts of leader and depute leader will not be up for challenge, writes John MacCalman, Municipal Correspondent.

It was on the instruction of Labour Party headquarters that the agm was postponed a year ago, pending an inquiry into alleged sleaze and factionalism in the strife-torn Labour Group. A number of councillors were suspended in the course of the inquiry.

However, disciplinary proceedings against Lord Provost Pat Lally and Bailie Alex Mosson foundered in the Court of Session and since then the two civic leaders, along with former group leader Councillor Robert Gould, former depute leader Councillor Gordon Macdiarmid, and Bailie James Mutter, have had their suspensions lifted. During the crisis, the positions of leader and depute leader were filled by Councillor Frank McAveety and Councillor Charles Gordon.

They were given an assurance by the party that their positions were not to be challenged until the end of the present council in May 1999.

However, the posts of group chair, secretary, chief whip, and two depute whips, along with places on the group executive, will be open to challenge.

It is understood from City Chambers sources that committee convenerships will be decided at a later stage.