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Glasgow City Council officials had been set to say that former leader Steven Purcell quit because of a "chemical dependency", it has emerged.
Mr Purcell resigned on Tuesday citing exhaustion caused by the burden of his responsibilities.
The council statement was abandoned after officials agreed with Mr Purcell's lawyers that they should not mention his personal issues.
His spokesman said claims of a chemical dependency were without foundation.
He added that the issue was now in the hands of Mr Purcell's legal team.
The 37-year-old is recovering after being treated at a rehabilitation clinic in the Borders at the weekend.
Castle Craig Hospital describes itself as "one of Europe's top rehab clinics" and provides inpatient treatment for those suffering from alcohol and drug addiction.
It has also emerged that the former council leader was reported missing from the rehab centre on Sunday, but returned a short time later.
Exhaustion and stress
It became apparent over the weekend that Mr Purcell would be standing down as leader of Glasgow City Council.
An official announcement of his resignation was made at a meeting of the Labour group on Tuesday morning.
A PR firm appointed by Mr Purcell issued a statement on Wednesday saying the former council leader was recuperating with family, and asking the media to allow him time and space to recover to full health.
It has since emerged that lawyers acting for Mr Purcell have complained to the Press Complaints Commission about what they said was "harassment of a sick man".
The former council leader's advisers said he was suffering from exhaustion and cited stress over the preparations for the Commonwealth Games and troubles at Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) among the reasons for his departure.
Proceedings to choose a new leader will begin later in the year, probably after a general election.
Until then, the role will be filled by Mr Purcell's former deputy, Councillor Jim Coleman.
I'm sure there is more to come....
7 comments:
Mmmm the plot thickens eh!,has he been shoveling snow in the gents?
Stan beat me to it.
Is he an afficianado of ye olde Bolivian Marching Powder?
In the old days we called alkies "Chemics".
This "chemical dependancy" could be Prozac, Viagra, or Yayo.
Now that he is a gay it could be cream for his rectum. I understand that after a while they appear to resemble a collapsed mineshaft.
Just sayin', is all.
CR.
wv = puftus. Are you making these up yersel?
As a taxpayer funded official I expect he will tell the police who supplied him with illegal substances so that justice can be seen to be done.
Did he, didn't he, the rats are fighting each other in a sack.
Roll up, roll up for the greatest free spectacle in the World!
Love the Charlie Says ad, didn't get it at first having led a sheltered life.
Aye there's plenty more to hit the fan about this. Ears to the ground now Rab.
I know, but I'm not telling! ;o)
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