No charges against ex-council chief Steven Purcell

Mr Purcell stepped down as leader of Glasgow City Council in March 2010

No action is to be taken against the former leader of Glasgow City Council, Steven Purcell, who was being investigated by Strathclyde Police.

The Crown Office has confirmed that proceedings will not be brought against Mr Purcell or councillor Ruth Black.

Prosecutors said there was "insufficient evidence" of criminality and "no further action is currently appropriate".

Mr Purcell shocked colleagues when he resigned suddenly in March 2010.

He also resigned as councillor for the city's Blairdardie ward, citing "stress and exhaustion".

It later emerged he was being treated in a private clinic specialising in drug and alcohol dependency.

Police investigations

Prosecutors were asked to look at the case following an investigation by Strathclyde Police, which was completed in September.

The allegations included Ms Black being awarded public cash to run the Castro Centre in Glasgow - a gay drop-in service

A Crown Office spokesman said: "Strathclyde Police have fully investigated allegations made against Steven Purcell and Ruth Black.

"The results of these investigations have been made available to Crown Counsel.

"Crown Counsel agree with the conclusion reached by Strathclyde Police, that there is insufficient evidence of criminality at this time and that no further action is currently appropriate."

Mr Purcell was first elected to the city council in May 1995 and served as convener of development and regeneration, then education, before becoming leader in 2005 at the age of only 32.