Humza Yousaf: No place for scaremongering in Glasgow City Council elections

We are also elected to do what we think is in the best interest of our constituency. We are often engaged in robust debate and discussion over what that means for the city of Glasgow.

Politicians have a role to be above narrow self-interest and a duty to raise the level of debate. We should not attempt to win votes through scare-mongering or petty jibes.

The reason I highlight this is because we are around nine weeks away from local elections and the campaigns are under way.

All of us, regardless of political affiliation, have a responsibility to put forward a positive vision.

Over the last few weeks we have seen accusations of bullying and intimidation - with one councillor, Anne Marie Miller, alleging her son's apprenticeship was threatened if she did not vote with the Labour administration.

Scenes like this embarrass us all - it is no way to run a city and is probably what puts people off politics and voting.

Over the next couple of months, I will be knocking as many doors as possible to try to bring long overdue change to Glasgow City Council.

I will tell people why we need to improve our city's roads, why we need to ensure we get the highest level of local services and why there needs to be more accountability and transparency in the city chambers.

I will be doing all of this because I was elected to put Glasgow first and only want the best for the city I call home. I imagine my political opponents got involved for the same reason.

We should therefore ensure we all raise the level of debate and encourage as many people to vote as possible.

It is, after all, their city and their future.