GORDON Matheson has abandoned his bid to become a Labour MSP.

Instead, the former city council leader who failed in his attempt to win the party’s deputy leadership this year has said he will be looking forward to life after politics when he steps down as a councillor in 2017.

Mr Matheson is not included in Labour’s 14 strong shortlist for the Holyrood Glasgow Region list and is not seeking to contest a constituency.

When he stood against eventual winner, Alex Rowley as deputy leader Mr Matheson said he intended to move to Holyrood as the next stage of his career but has now changed his mind.

He said he did not seek selection for the shortlist and will now see out his time as a councillor for the Anderston/City ward.

Mr Matheson said: “I’ve done my bit and I’m happy to move on.

“I’ve realised there is life after politics. I chose not to apply for the list of Labour candidates for Holyrood.

“I served a full five year term as leader of a £2.4billion award-winning council with 30,000 staff.

“I have previously made clear that I will not stand again at the next council elections.

“In the meantime I will diligently serve the constituents in my ward as I have to the best of my abilities for almost 17 years.”

Supporters suggested had he stood, he would have had a good chance of a high placing.

The shortlist will be revealed later this week but it is understood six MSPs, one former MP, and two former MSPs are among the party’s hopefuls.

With the SNP expected to take all eight city seats, following the resounding General election victory, a place via the list system is thought to be the best hope of a Glasgow Labour seat at the Scottish Parliament.

Former Glasgow central MP Anas Sarwar, is expected by many to come out on top.

He faces competition from experienced sitting constituency MSPs who are seeking a place through the list for the first time.

They are Patricia Ferguson, Johann Lamont, Paul Martin and James Kelly.

Also looking to return are current list MSPs Hanzala Malik, who topped the poll in 2011 and Anne McTaggart.

They are joined by two who lost their seat in 2011, Bill Butler and Pauline McNeill.

Glasgow councillors James Adams, Soryia Siddique, and Marie Garrity are also included with two unelected hopefuls Samantha Ritchie and Simon McFarlane making the final list

The shortlist of 14 will be voted on by party members in the New Year and ranked top to bottom, alternating between male and female.

Labour had no list MSPs, elected on the 2nd vote, in Glasgow until 2011 as it previously won every constituency seat, except 2007 when Nicola Sturgeon won Govan.

Because of that success those standing in constituencies were not on the list, until now.

Labour members realise that the list is their best shot at a seat in 2016.

One said: “While I would not concede defeat yet, after May we are all realistic about the election.”