Dumbarton's MSP has called for claims of alleged corruption at West Dunbartonshire Council to be investigated by the Scottish government.

The local authority has been accused of giving 'back-handers' to contractors totalling six-figures.

The claims have been denied by council bosses, but Ms Baillie has now asked both the Cabinet Secretary and the Accounts Commission to review the practice of the council.

Jackie said: “A number of my constituents are concerned about the allegations made about procurement practice in West Dunbartonshire Council.

“Councils are responsible for making sure that they spend the public pound wisely. It is clear that some contracts which were agreed by council officials in the Roads and Greenspace departments were not tendered properly, and it has been found that in a number of cases, quotes were not properly obtained for these jobs.

“I have now written to Aileen Campbell, Cabinet Secretary for Communities and Local Government, and Caroline Gardner, the Auditor General, to ask whether a review will be carried out to ensure best practice going forward.”

The accusations come following an internal audit by the body which noted a series of alleged failings including projects for the Roads and Greenspace departments being awarded without a contract and a failure to declare personal associations with contractors between 2013 and 2016.

A spokeswoman for West Dunbartonshire Council denied the allegations, but revealed they have approached Audit Scotland to investigate.

She said: "Following allegations in relation to the procurement of contracts in Roads and Greenspace, an extensive investigation was undertaken by the council’s internal auditors.

"This only found evidence of procurement issues within the council which are being addressed as reported to the audit committee on 12 December, 2018.

"A subsequent disciplinary process found there was no basis for action to be taken against any employee. Police Scotland also conducted its own investigation and no formal action was taken.

"We are satisfied that all due processes have been followed, however, given the concerns expressed, we have approached Audit Scotland.”