Cllr Rashid Hussain: 'We need to get Glasgow working again'

Glasgow Times

22-05-2025

It is the honour of my life to be elected as leader of the Glasgow Labour Group.
As the leader, my focus is clear: making sure this council plays its part in bringing jobs, investment, and opportunity back to our city.
As a proud councillor for Greater Pollok since 2012, I've seen first-hand what our communities can achieve when they're supported — and what happens when they're ignored.
I've spent over a decade working with grassroots groups, local businesses, and trade unions, and now I'm determined to do that across every part of Glasgow.
No community should be left behind.
But let's be honest: Glasgow is being held back.
Since 2012, relentless cuts from the Scottish Government have decimated our public services.
Our infrastructure is crumbling, our transport network is failing, and the SNP administration has run out of ideas.
They are more focused on defending incompetency and waste at Holyrood than on delivering a well-run, effective council.
We see the consequences every day.
Glasgow's unemployment rate is the highest in Scotland – over five per cent – and many ordinary Glaswegians cannot find good, affordable homes to meet their needs.
That is unacceptable.
We need a council that invests in people.
That expands apprenticeships, delivers training, partners with business, and creates real, high-quality jobs.
I've worked in IT, aerospace, and manufacturing for over 30 years.
I know the value our industries bring, and I know the potential Glasgow has when we get this right.
A modern, inclusive economy doesn't happen by accident.
It takes leadership – and it takes ambition.
We need to work hand-in-hand with business and trade unions to build the high-skill, high-wage jobs of the future that give people a reason to stay, work, and thrive in Glasgow, whilst also building the homes they need to do so.
It must never be the case that Glaswegians feel that they need to leave Glasgow to get on in life, or leave their communities in order to get on in Glasgow.
We need to build a city that works for everyone.
We also need to fix what's broken – starting with transport.
Too many areas are cut off from opportunity by poor public transport.
Many workers and car owners now face additional taxes for parking outside of their homes, despite the lack of reliable public transport alternatives.
Glasgow Labour will push for a bus service run by Glasgow, for Glaswegians – not for profit.
The SNP have the power to do this, but they refuse to act.
Their lack of ambition is punishing Glaswegians and holding this city back.
And let's be clear – it's not just transport.
The SNP are shutting down community assets across the city.
Just this week they've proposed mothballing Ruchill Community Centre – a vital hub in the north of Glasgow.
And how many of our prized community assets will be next?
From Langside Halls to the Couper Institute to Whitehill Pool, the SNP sit on their hands whilst the physical pillars of our communities crumble.
This isn't leadership. It's a managed decline.
We need to invest in every corner of Glasgow – from the city centre to the heart of our neighbourhoods.
That's how we build stronger communities, safer streets, and a more equal economy.
The SNP have taken Glaswegians for granted.
After eight long years, they've run out of energy, run out of ideas, and run out of excuses.
Glasgow needs a new direction.
And that's exactly what Glasgow Labour is here to deliver.