STV NewsA Glasgow councillor under investigation for critical comments about a council boss has won the backing of a Scottish musician who has offered to provide her with financial support.
Labour councillor Fiona Higgins has been reported to the Ethical Standards Commissioner over a social media post on X. She accused a former city council finance director of abusing influence to “wilfully and cynically mislead councillors and the public” over proposed teacher cuts.
The former teacher faces a potential Standards Commission hearing and is accused of breaching the councillors’ code of conduct when she made the comment in August last year.
Her situation has attracted the support of Gun musician Paul McManus, who has pledged to provide financial assistance for legal representation for the case, according to Councillor Higgins.
The Canal ward representative said: ”I put out feelers for support in challenging this. I don’t earn enough to afford legal support.”
Describing her reaction to being under investigation, she said: “I was shocked and surprised – obviously it is my job as an elected person to ask questions on behalf of the public.
“I was echoing the public outcry. It is my job to seek answers on behalf of the public.”
Other people who have also pledged assistance include lawyer Professor Peter Watson and public relations executive Jack Irvine.
Councillor Higgins said proposed reductions to teacher numbers in the Glasgow City Council budget last year were not apparent, leading her to voice concerns over transparency.
She added: “Glasgow’s school communities are incredible – from dedicated teachers and support staff to the parents, carers, and pupils themselves. Every day, they show resilience, creativity, and commitment, often in the face of real challenges. They deserve investment, not cuts.
“Teaching in Glasgow shaped who I am. I saw the joy and potential in our young people, but also the harm caused when schools don’t have the resources they need.
“That experience never left me. It’s why I first campaigned for better education and why, as a Councillor, I’ve made it my mission to improve children’s lives and opportunities. Being a voice for children and families isn’t just politics to me – it’s personal.”
A council spokesman said: “It would not be appropriate for any council to comment on a live investigation by the Commissioner for Ethical Standards in Public Life.
“Neither Glasgow City Council or any other local authority is responsible for the content of the Councillors Code of Conduct; for monitoring compliance with that code, or for investigating alleged breaches.
“The independent process that is in place was established by the Ethical Standards in Public Life (Scotland) Act 2000, and the councillors’ code was published and came into effect in 2003.
“Local authorities have no role in deciding if or when the Commissioner for Ethical Standards chooses to carry out an investigation.”
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