A Labour councillor embroiled in a nepotism row has pulled out of the race to become a party candidate for Holyrood.

Yvonne Kucuk, who has faced scrutiny over the number of relatives linked to a community centre she helps run, has not applied to be on the Glasgow Shettleston shortlist.

Kucuk, who represents the Calton ward on Glasgow city council, had been the favourite in the internal contest after Frank McAveety relinquished the candidacy due to becoming council leader again.

However, senior party figures were said to be unenthusiastic about her winning the selection and re-opened the applications process.

Scottish Labour headquarters stated that the original shortlist did not “reflect the aspirations” of the party in respect of diversity.

Kucuk was then at the centre of a storm over a Commonwealth Games legacy project she helped deliver in the Dalmarnock area of Glasgow.

BACKGROUND: THE 'NEPOTISM' ROW

The new centre – which houses health and recreational facilities and was funded by £3.5million of public money and run by the People’s Development Trust, which employs Kucuk as a “regeneration” manager.

Picture: Kucuk (second from right) open the Dalmarnock Legacy Hub

However, she faced questions earlier this month over the number of relatives linked to the Trust and the legacy Hub.

Her cousin Alan Kennedy was appointed to the Trust board in 2011 for three years and his son Robert joined in 2014.

Kucuk’s husband works at the legacy hub and Labour councillor Maureen Burke is employed by the Trust.

It emerged last week that Kucuk was not now in the running to be a Holyrood candidate.

A party spokesperson said: "She's not on the shortlist of candidates for Shettleston. Party members will decide the candidate in early December."

SNP MSP John Mason said: “I’m not surprised. If Labour are now being more careful about who they select as candidates, I would welcome that.”

Kucuk did not respond to a request for comment.