Following allegations about the Council Leader in Edinburgh which emerged on Saturday, other political groups on the council are tonight calling for his resignation.
It is alleged that there were complaints made about “inappropriate behaviour” by Cllr Cammy Day through the council’s Safecall whistleblower helpline by members of council staff last winter. These were reported to Police Scotland and it is understood that there was insufficient evidence to begin an investigation, according to The Times.
A further complaint was made more recently. A Police Scotland spokesman said: “On Tuesday, October 22, 2024, we received a report of inappropriate behaviour. Inquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances.”
Cllr Day leads a minority Labour administration, and has been leader of that small group since 2022. Previously he was Depute Leader in the SNP Labour administration for five years and leading the fight against poverty in the city.
Sunday Mail
The Sunday Mail said that the Scottish Labour Party has suspended Cllr Day who the paper said had “sent sexually explicit messages to Ukrainian refugees who believed he abused his position of power”.
Following this – and before the full front page story is published in the paper or online – other political group leaders in Edinburgh have spoken out.
Cllr Simita Kumar, the SNP group leader, said on X: “This is beyond shocking. I’m almost lost for words. Cammy Day needs to resign as leader immediately.”
Cllr Iain Whyte, Conservative Group leader, said on X: “If Cammy Day has been suspended by Labour he can’t have their support to remain as Council Leader. He must step aside immediately. The Council as a whole can then decide a way forward.”
Cllr Kevin Lang leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrat group said: “These are exceptionally serious allegations. Given this, it is clear to me that Cammy Day must step down as Leader of Edinburgh Council immediately.”
Cllr Chas Booth of Edinburgh Greens said: “Shocking news. The council leader should resign immediately.”
The council has been asked for comment.
Cllr Day said earlier he had no idea what the complaint was about and had not been contacted by police.
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