LABOUR’S North Lanarkshire Council leader Jim Logue was bailed out by Tory colleagues last night, after they voted to reject a SNP motion calling for him to stand aside while allegations of corruption and fraud are investigated.

Logue is the subject of a Police Scotland probe about his conduct while director of arms-length external organisation North Lanarkshire Leisure.

SNP motions to release to the public secret audit reports about his activities were also voted down by councillors, including the Tory convener of audit and scrutiny Meghan Gallagher, at a special meeting.

Depute leader Tom Johnston of the SNP said: “It is incredibly disappointing that the Labour and Tory councillors have voted to withhold crucial audit reports from public scrutiny.

“The public is entitled information and despite this vote, we will continue to fight for openness and transparency for the people of North Lanarkshire.”