YOU might have heard about the rendition of the 12 Days of Christmas that Tory councillor John Daly gave the chamber last week, but let’s be honest, it will be the Ghost of Christmas Past that will haunt the current SNP administration in years to come.

They have presided over another year of mismanagement, chaos and slashed budgets that have left our city ill-prepared for 2024 and the future.

However, as we draw closer to the end of another tumultuous year, I would actually like to use my last column of 2023 to say thank you to Glasgow’s public sector workers.

From the teachers to the social carers and cleansing staff, as well as the many others who have stoically weathered the storm of not just their demanding roles but also the consequences of deep cuts and chronic underfunding by the SNP government at Holyrood.

The situation in Glasgow’s schools is more than a mere challenge – our teachers, the backbone of our educational system – have been grappling with slashed budgets and dwindling resources.

Class sizes have ballooned, support staff numbers have dwindled, and yet, these educators continue to strive for excellence. Their commitment, in these challenging times, is nothing short of heroic.

In the realm of social care, the narrative is equally distressing. Social carers in our city, already dealing with an emotionally taxing job, have been pushed to the brink.

The SNP’s austerity measures have left them with limited resources to cater to the ever-growing needs of the most vulnerable in our community.

Yet, they soldier on, often putting the needs of others above their own, a testament to their unwavering commitment to Glasgow’s wellbeing.

And the unsung heroes of our city, the cleansing staff, face a daily battle against not just the refuse of the streets, but also the refuse of a system that has consistently undervalued their contribution.

Their work, crucial to the health and aesthetics of Glasgow, has been met with budget cuts, leading to inadequate equipment and staffing. It’s a struggle they face head-on every day, ensuring our city doesn’t crumble under the weight of neglect.

The SNP’s management of Glasgow’s affairs, or rather mismanagement, has been a disservice to its people.

The party’s approach, marked by fiscal cuts and an apparent disregard for local government funding, has not only stifled our city’s growth but also placed an unfair burden on the shoulders of our public sector workers.

But there is hope on the horizon. The upcoming General Election presents an opportunity for a seismic shift in governance.

The potential for a Labour government at Westminster brings with it the promise of a reversal of these damaging policies.

We look towards a future where our public sector is not just adequately funded but also valued and respected. A future where the dedication of our public workers is met with the support and resources they rightfully deserve.

As we stand at the precipice of this potential change, let’s remember and honour the resilience and determination of Glasgow’s public sector workers. They have been the unsung heroes, maintaining the fabric of our city against all odds.

It’s time for a change, time for a government that recognises their worth and ensures Glasgow thrives not just in spite of its administration but because of it.

Let 2024 be the year of change, for the betterment of Glasgow and all who call it home and make sure the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come is smiling.