SEISMIC political change at Scotland’s biggest council will see decades-old alliances and business practices broken up as the SNP unveils its blueprint for Glasgow’s economy.
Advised by Glasgow University and ScotRail, the SNP plans would see a major shake-up of departments and the creation of a new “under one roof” vehicle to drive forward business growth.
It is clearest signal yet the party is making advanced plans should it oust Scottish Labour from the administration benches for the first time since 1977.
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The Nationalists are widely tipped to become the next Glasgow administration, amid claims retaining control of the city was no longer a local election priority for Labour.
The SNP’s economic roadmap would be put into practice as part of a “first 100 days” of regime change if it triumphs on May 4.
Business sources insist it could address current gaps and weaknesses in Glasgow’s economic development.
One said: “There’s a sense in the wider economic community that perhaps officers at the city council are maybe too entrenched and controlling.
“It will be difficult for the SNP to implement this because there a lot of structural changes are being suggested and you are dealing with individuals experienced in turf wars.
“But there is political capital in being able to present yourself as not tied to any existing networks, open minded about how the council can work and chipping away at 40 years of practices and relationships.
“That will resonate with many.”
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Drawing on experience from Manchester, Liverpool, Sydney and Auckland, the plans would see figures from the world of business and academia given an enhanced role in boosting the performance of Glasgow’s balance sheet.
A new “strategy board”, drawing on individuals from manufacturing, financial services and the social economy, as well as trade unions, would be established to spearhead growth.
Staffing arrangements within the council would be overhauled, with expertise from various departments brought under the one umbrella and led by a day-to-day manager.
As well as established priorities such as tourism, events, retail and financial services, the new blueprint aims to make inroads in precision medicine, life sciences, engineering and manufacturing, including quantum technologies.
Outlining the plans in The Herald today, SNP group leader Susan Aitken added: “Highly respected business leaders and thinkers have worked to generate some great ideas for the city, but the current economic leadership model has a big gap between strategy and action. If we want to capitalise on Glasgow’s potential to grow our economy fairly and inclusively in a way that benefits all of our citizens, that needs to change.
“We need to bring together all the knowledge and expertise Glasgow has to offer if we want to compete with the best that other global cities have to offer.”
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A Glasgow University spokesman said: “As an institution representing the city, we are happy to give the benefit of our expertise on policy ideas or proposals which would be of value to Glasgow, given that we are one of the world’s leading research universities and would be glad to do so for any party at local or national level who sought our advice.”
A ScotRail spokesman said: “We will work with any and all parties to provide advice and support on making best use of our first class Glasgow transport network to drive the kind of economic growth that opens up opportunities. We welcome any initiative that makes working together more productive.”
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