Purcell said that although he is opposed to independence, the inclusion of the option in the debate is “legitimate”, which runs counter to party leader Wendy Alexander’s stance.

“I think that post-devolution Scotland will always have a debate about the Parliament, about the future and yes, of course, it may possibly include independence. It is legitimate that it is part of the debate.  But my own view is that it is too early to come to major conclusions about the major constitutional issue this early into devolution.

“There are two aspects to this debate; those who favour independence and there is always a consensus amongst other people that we should review the Parliament’s current powers and what powers it may have in the future.  At the end of the day, the people who will take the final view of this are the people of Scotland and they will only have one debate about those choices that are presented to them.”

Purcell says that as council leader, he will be taking part in both the SNP Government’s National Conversation, which includes the independence option, and the Constitutional Commission, set up by the three unionist parties.

“The administration in Glasgow is currently reflecting on the debate and we will take part in both consultations.  It is right and proper that the elected council in Glasgow speaks for the city of Glasgow,” he said.

Purcell also revealed that he was initially opposed to the principle of devolution, but was won over by the arguments of Donald Dewar and sees the process as greatly benefiting Glasgow and Scotland.

“I was a bit sceptical about devolution, I voted for it because of Donald Dewar; he convinced me and many others in this constituency and I was on the doorstep with him during the referendum, where particularly traditional older Labour voters were anxious about the principle of devolution. And I say that anxiety has been proved wrong. It has been very good for Scotland and it has been very good for Glasgow. 

“The ability to be able to work with ministers as we did with the Labour and Liberal Democrat Government and the SNP Government, who are just 40 miles along the road, who are at the end of the telephone, has made it much easier for places like Glasgow to get the job done in terms of our priorities,” he said.

The SNP seized on the remarks, claiming that Purcell’s view demonstrates that Wendy Alexander is “isolated” in her position on constitutional reform.

“We welcome these remarks which reflect the inclusive nature of the National Conversation which accommodates the independence option as well as the more powers option. Steven Purcell is aligning himself with the vast majority of the people of Scotland who support their right to decide their future in a referendum. This further isolates Wendy Alexander and the Labour leadership in Scotland who continue to oppose the right of the people to decide their future in a democratic referendum,” said an SNP spokesman.