Calls for “decisive action” about Council leader

Following complaints said to be made through The City of Edinburgh Council whistleblower helpline, it is understood that the Council Leader has been administratively suspended by the Labour Party pending the outcome of any investigation.

While other political groups on the council are now lining up calling for his resignation, The Edinburgh Reporter understands that Police Scotland have not progressed any inquiries to the point of contacting the Council Leader, Cammy Day.

The first allegations of “inappropriate behaviour” were made last winter through the Safecall process which was set up for council staff to make anonymous complaints of “serious wrongdoing or danger”. A further complaint is said to have been made more recently. Safecall is an external independent body which operates a confidential service for any whistleblowers who are either council employees or people contracted to the council.

Although the details were given to the council Chief Executive and the Head of Legal who passed them to Police Scotland, police said last year that they had insufficient evidence. In relation to the second complaint a spokesperson for Police Scotland said: “On Tuesday, October 22, 2024, we received a report of inappropriate behaviour. Inquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances.” Police Scotland confirmed on Sunday they have nothing to add.

A Labour Party spokesperson said: “The Labour Party takes all complaints seriously. 

“They are fully investigated in line with our rules and procedures, and any appropriate action is taken.”

Scottish Labour leader, Anas Sarwar has told The Herald that the allegations are “deeply distressing”.

A council spokesperson said: “All matters raised with the Chief Executive and Monitoring Officer have been progressed through our established processes in consultation our independent whistleblowing service, Safecall, and, where appropriate, Police Scotland.”

The complaints centre on complaints disclosed by The Sunday Mail said to be made by Ukrainian refugees about “sexually explicit” messages sent by the council leader.

Political reaction

The SNP, which is the biggest single political group on the council, has been fast to react to the news. The two groups previously formed a coalition administration until 2022, but were unable to broker any deal this time round as formal coalitions were outlawed by Scottish Labour leader, Anas Sarwar.

Group leader, Simita Kumar, has written to the Chief Executive of the council demanding action. She said:“The allegations against Council Leader – Cammy Day are extremely concerning. Given the seriousness of this, I’ve called for his immediate resignation.

“I’ve also written to Paul Lawrence, Chief Executive, to revoke Cllr Day’s access to council buildings as investigations continue.

“More importantly, we must be focused now to ensure that members of the public including staff feel safe and supported.

“The Council also needs to support the Ukrainian community and offer assistance and reassurance.”

Conservative Group leader, Iain Whyte, said: “It would seem these serious allegations about Cammy Day have been reported to the Police so that is a matter for them to resolve. What’s clear though is that his suspension by the Labour Party means he can’t carry on as Leader of the Council in a Labour minority administration. He should resign immediately to resolve this and let the Council as a whole determine the way forward.”

Cllr Susan Rae, co-convenor of the Edinburgh Green Group of councillors, said: “These are shocking allegations, and the council leader should resign immediately. Being suspended by his own party and being under police investigation for such serious allegations are incompatible with leading the council of Scotland’s capital city.

“While everyone is entitled to due process, and the presumption of innocence is an important principle, the seriousness of these allegations means Cllr Day should step down while the police investigations are ongoing.

“As a Green group of councillors we take allegations of sexual misconduct extremely seriously, and would urge anyone who has evidence to support the police’s investigation to come forward and contact the police and the Ethical Standards Commissioner.

“We also want to send our support to those who may have experienced this behaviour, as well as anyone with experience of sexual harassment and who may have been affected by this news, who can contact Victim Support Scotland on 0800 160 1985 or Rape Crisis Scotland on 08088 01 03 02.”

Cllr Kevin Lang leader of the Liberal Democrat group in Edinburgh Council said: “I have this morning written formally to Cllr Cammy Day to call on him to step down immediately as Leader of Edinburgh Council.

“The Liberal Democrat group has also tabled an emergency motion for Tuesday’s Policy Committee to agree he must now resign.”

The SNP confirmed that they will be meeting to discuss the way forward, but there is no meeting of all group leaders planned as yet.

The Edinburgh Reporter has contacted all political groups on the council asking for comment.