Steven Purcell leaves rehabilitation clinic

Mr Purcell quit after five years as council leader Read Brian Taylor's blog Profile: Steven Purcell

The former leader of Glasgow City Council, Steven Purcell, has left a rehabilitation clinic which specialises in treating drug and alcohol addiction.

His spokesman said he was now recuperating following treatment at Castle Craig Hospital in the Borders.

He quit his high-profile post on Tuesday amid reports that he was suffering from exhaustion.

Meanwhile, his lawyers have complained to a press watchdog about what they said was "harassment of a sick man".

Representatives for Mr Purcell said they had asked the Press Complaints Commission to remind newspapers of their responsibilities to respect privacy.

The 37-year-old Labour politician has been replaced as leader of Scotland's biggest local authority by his former deputy, Councillor Jim Coleman.

Mr Purcell was admitted to Castle Craig Hospital at the weekend.

Inpatient treatment

In a statement released on Wednesday, the former council leader's spokesman, Jack Irvine, said: "Councillor Steven Purcell is no longer a patient in Castle Craig Hospital.

"Councillor Purcell is recuperating with family and he asks the media to allow him time and space to recover to full health."

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.

Mr Purcell was regarded as one of Labour's rising stars in Scotland.

He had been tipped to become a future Labour leader at Holyrood or an MP.

His advisers had cited stress over the preparations for the Commonwealth Games and troubles at Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) among the reasons for his departure.

His lawyers have asked the council not to comment on the reasons for his resignation.