Council Leader resigns
Cllr Cammy Day who has led the Labour minority administration since May 2022, and been a councillor since 2008, has stepped down as council leader amid allegations of inappropriate behaviour which has been reported through the council’s whistleblowing helpline. Cllr Day remains the elected representative for Forth Ward. He will now sit as an independent councillor pending the outcome of any investigations.
Police Scotland said over the weekend: “On Tuesday, October 22, 2024, we received a report of inappropriate behaviour. Inquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances.”
The other political parties making up 61 councillors have spoken out ahead of any decision to replace the council leader, or indeed reform the administration if the remaining Labour councillors cannot keep the administration together.
The decision on what happens next will come to the full council next week when the Chief Executive will seek a vote on who the next leader of the council will be.
Chief Executive of The City of Edinburgh Council, Paul Lawrence, said on Monday: “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.”
Co-Convener of the Green Councillor Group in Edinburgh, Cllr Susan Rae, said: “It is unbelievable that it has taken Cllr Day this long to do the inevitable and resign as Council Leader. When all parties, including your own, are acknowledging that it is incompatible to lead the Council while being subject to a police investigation and serious accusations of this nature, the appropriate course of action is clear.
The Green Group are engaging in conversations with all parties about what this means for the future of the administration of Edinburgh Council, and as always our priority will be what is best for the people of Edinburgh. We also want to again 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.”
Cllr Simita Kumar said: “My first thoughts today are with the complainants. These allegations are extremely grave and we must see a full investigation. I will continue to support ongoing police enquiries so those affected get the justice they deserve.
“It was unquestionable that Cammy Day had to stand down as the leader of Edinburgh City Council. Thedis resignation should have come sooner, and in my view should have come with an apology.
“I would encourage anyone who has experience or knowledge to contact Police Scotland and seek support from organisations such as Rape Crisis Scotland and Victim Support Scotland.
“I am reaching out to the other group leaders, opening discussions on how we find a way to begin to rebuild trust and that allows us to move through this.
“Our city deserves better, and so do the complainants.”
Cllr Kevin Lang leader of the Liberal Democrats said on X: ““I’m pleased Cllr Day has resigned. The allegations made against him are extremely serious. The police investigation and other processes need to be allowed to run their course.
“For the Council, it’s now important to choose a new Leader who can focus properly on the big issues facing our City. We need to agree a new budget, grapple with a worsening crisis in homelessness, and have a big decision to take next month on the new visitor levy.
“Liberal Democrat councillors will be considering carefully how all of this is best achieved ahead of the next Council meeting and the election of a new Leader.”
We are not aware of any other political groups which have made comment.
Edinburgh Filmhouse
The doors at Filmhouse on Lothian Road will reopen in 2025, although the actually date has not yet been fixed.
Before then the board have appointed four new members – Joe Tree founder of BlipFoto,Lizzie Francke, former EIFF Director, Flore Conquer, Director of Scottish Documentary Institute and Katie Corrigan, Head of Real Estate at Vialex.
The board are still seeking new members so if you are interested then follow Filmhouse on Linkedin.
The board now have listed building consent for the alterations to the interior and a building warrant so they have appointed a building contractor and it will be all go very soon.
The project still requires more funding in case of any unexpected rises in construction costs, so if you have any spare cash then the board would welcome donations to their Crowdfunder here.
Ginnie Atkinson, Director of Filmhouse, said: “All in all, we’re getting nearer to opening the doors and we look forward to keeping you up to speed on progress.
“Warm thanks to each and every one of you who has contributed to the cause. We could not have achieved what we have without your support.
“Wishing you all the compliments of the season!”
Filmhouse is now on BlueSky here at: https://bsky.app/profile/filmhouseedinburgh.bsky.social
Pianodrome
Another wee fundraiser – this time for a cultural project with a difference on Middle Meadow Walk – and the sum needed is much less – at £4,500 for a piano shed in the Kids’ Garden.
Fernando Miranda, who is behind the fundraiser, explained: “The main aim of the project is to create the most amazing piano shed (built by the Pianodrome team using old discarded pianos) with a beautiful piano inside for everybody to play, fill the shed with more amazing musical instruments such as marimba, hand pan, xylophone, and install 2 stained glass windows at the shed. We also propose to lay new turf (today is just bark), create a water feature using the old wooden water pipes, and as a bonus if we have enough funds we will install a monkey bar too (why not?).”
If this is something you could help with there are only a couple of weeks left – and the project is 64% of the way to its total. (and the shed is already in place waiting
Tenancy rights workshop
Edinburgh and Lothians Regional Equality Council (ELREC) are running a workshop for tenants on Wednesday. Details below.
Saturday night at The Mother Superior
On Saturday get down to Leith Walk for something different celebrating whisky, music and food with a bit of community and charity thrown in. Raffle prizes and cocktails with fundraising for Scottish Huntington’s Association. Tickets from the venue or by telephone 0131 554 5280.
Santa Claus arrived in the city aboard an Edinburgh tram ahead of further Edinburgh’s Christmas attractions which have now opened in St Andrew Square.
Santa’s Stories will welcome families for a visit with the main man himself, plus children can take a trip round the Christmas Tree Maze in St Andrew Square, alongside Ice Skating on George Street which is also open.
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Edinburgh-born multimedia journalist and iPhoneographer.
