Former Labour MSP and Scottish Executive minister Frank McAveety is to be the new leader of Glasgow City Council.

Mr McAveety will succeed Gordon Matheson as the leader of Scotland’s largest local authority after he was chosen at a meeting of Labour councillors yesterday.

The 53-year-old previously served as council leader from 1997 until 1999 when he was elected to the newly-formed Scottish Parliament. He represented Glasgow Shettleston until the SNP won the seat in 2011.

Mr McAveety served as deputy minister for local government, deputy minister for health and community care and minister for tourism, culture and sport in the early years of devolution.

He will officially become leader of the council when Mr Matheson formally stands down today.

Mr McAveety said: “There is nothing prouder than being given the opportunity to lead my home city.

“At all times, I will be pressing the case for what’s best for Glasgow.

“The city has given me everything in life and I will work tirelessly for the benefit of its people. The council’s focus will continue to be on education and job creation. We will attempt to be a shield for the vulnerable and the creator of opportunity for all.”

Mr McAveety, who defeated Malcolm Cunning by 24 votes to 19, is the Labour candidate for the Glasgow Shettleston constituency for next year’s Holyrood election, but is now expected to give up his candidacy.

@GlasgowCC