Opposition councillors have claimed that Glasgow's ruling Labour group are in ‘disarray' after it was revealed that more than 20 members will not be standing in next year's local elections.

There are currently 47 Labour councillors on Glasgow City Council, but it emerged last week that around 24 members are retiring or have been deselected for the next elections in May 2012.

Glasgow's SNP leader, Cllr Alison Hunter, said: ‘Labour's leader calls this a sign of determination, but it looks more like an act of desperation by the captain of a sinking ship.

‘In contrast, the SNP Group is developing our platform of ideas for next May and has a strong team of candidates waiting in the wings.'

But Labour's Cllr Alex Glass said they were ‘refreshing' their team in preparation for next year.

‘Under the strong leadership of Cllr Gordon Matheson, we are putting together a team, which will be able to maintain our progress in delivering services for the people of Glasgow,' said Cllr Glass.

‘Unlike the SNP, we have a good track record in standing up for Glasgow, through deeds and not just words.'