Glasgow council licensing board chair removed over 'conduct complaints'

A councillor who chairs Glasgow’s licensing board has been removed from her role following a possible standards complaint over her conduct.

Board members voted in favour of ousting SNP councillor Margaret Morgan ahead of a meeting on Friday.

It is understood an objector to a licence application at a recent board meeting planned to make a standards complaint about Bailie Morgan.

A Glasgow SNP group spokesman said Bailie Morgan had taken her responsibilities “extremely seriously” and it was “regrettable” she had been voted out.

Standards complaints are initially raised with the Ethical Standards Commissioner, who said they were unable to comment at this time.

Following an investigation, they can be referred to the Standards Commission, which said: “To date, we’ve not received any referrals about this matter.”

It is understood councillors on the board voted five to four in favour of removing Bailie Morgan from her position, with SNP members attempting to save her and opposition members wanting her to step down.

Councillor Bill Butler, Labour, as vice-chair of the board, stepped in to chair today’s meeting.

A spokesman for the Licensing Board said: “After considering a motion on the position of the chair of the board, members held a vote and the chair was required to step down.

“A further vote on the appointment of a new chair is expected to be taken prior to the next meeting of the board.”

It is believed the motion suggested removing the chair to protect the reputation of the board while an investigation was carried out.

The SNP spokesman said: “During her time as the licensing board chair, Bailie Morgan has always taken her responsibilities extremely seriously.

“She has had the best interest of communities, the city economy and her fellow board members front and centre of her approach to the role. It is regrettable that she has been removed from post.”