Edinburgh Council in chaos as Leader resigns

The Leader of The City of Edinburgh Council, Cammy Day, has resigned.

The Labour councillor has been under pressure since Friday when The Times first reported he was the subject of a police investigation regarding “inappropriate behaviour”.

Two complaints about Day, who has led the Council since 2022, were made to the local authority’s Safecall whistleblowing system last winter, according to The Times.

Police Scotland confirmed: “On Tuesday, October 22, 2024, we received a report of inappropriate behaviour. Inquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances.”

The Labour Party suspended Day yesterday after the Sunday Mail reported complaints by two refugees living in Edinburgh who claimed they had been subject to unsolicited messages on social media and through dating sites in which the politician asked about their sexual preferences and invited them to meet on dates.

Day said earlier was “not aware” of any reports to the whistleblowing hotline or that he had done anything wrong but today he issued the following statment.

He said: “I have today resigned as Leader of the City of Edinburgh CouncilThe recent commentary on my personal life is detracting from the important work this Labour-led Council does for the people of Edinburgh. It undermines the dedicated efforts of my colleagues and Council officers. That’s why it’s time for me to step aside as Leader.

“I have yet to be contacted by the police but want to reiterate that I will cooperate fully with their ongoing enquiries.

“I am hugely proud of what we’ve achieved for the Capital during my time as leader and truly believe that Edinburgh is a better, fairer city as a result. I’m also proud to have led a way of successfully doing politics across divides, finding a way to deliver on our priorities for our people and our city.”

Chief Executive Paul Lawrence said: “I have today received Cammy Day’s resignation as Council Leader. I will now take a report to the next meeting of Council on 19 December seeking nominations for his replacement.”

Cammy Day has led the minority Labour administration since 2022. Initially there were 13 Labour councillors elected and as Scottish Labour leader, Anas Sarwar prevented any local authorities entering into formal coalitions, Labour awarded the Lord Provost position to Liberal Democrat, Robert Aldridge and retained senior council positions. Some positions such as Licensing were given to Conservatives, said at the time to be due to lack of numbers.

Cllr Ross McKenzie resigned the Labour whip but sits as an independent, Cllr Scott Arthur resigned after becoming the MP for Edinburgh South West and now Scottish Labour has administratively suspended Cllr Day. This leaves the Labour group with 10 out of the remaining 61 councillors today.

A by election has already been called for the two vacant positions in Colinton/Fairmilehead which is to be held on 23 January.