Following on from reports in the Sunday Times newspaper that the Police have been called in to investigate claims of false accounting at SPT, SNP MSP Sandra White has called on all involved to be open and work with the Police to assure that faith can be restored in the transport body.

The investigation comes just days after Labour's failed to reform the organisation by rejecting opposition offers of help in leading the organisation.

Commenting, Ms White said: "I welcome this investigation.

"With all the accusations and claims currently flying around Strathclyde Partnership for Transport this is a necessary step to clear up Labour's mess.

"We need to route those out who have be caught with their hand in the taxpayers pocket to reinstate public confidence in our elected representatives.

"I hope all those involved with the investigation at SPT are fully open with the Police so that we can get to the bottom of this crisis.

"I fully accept that  there will be cases when officials and councillors need to travel, but for representatives of a public transport body to run up thousands in mileage claims and with serious questions hanging over a number of fact finding trips the taxpayer deserves to know if these were genuine or simply Labour representatives  charging the taxpayer for their jollies abroad.

"The dodgy dealings that have already been exposed has further damaged the Labour Party in Glasgow and soured relations across Strathclyde.

"Purcell and his labour pals must be clear - if any one is found to have misused public money, to have broken the law or to have condoned it they must be held fully responsible for their actions."