Edinburgh City Council leader quits as police probe ‘inappropriate behaviour’

Edinburgh City Council leader Cammy Day has resigned from his post following reports he sent Ukrainian refugees messages asking about their sexual preferences.

The Labour politician had already been suspended by his party as police investigate a complaint against him of “inappropriate behaviour”.

The Sunday Mail reported he sent unsolicited messages to Ukrainian refugees, who said they felt unable to rebuff him.

I have today resigned as Leader of the City of Edinburgh Council

Mr Day, who has led the local authority since May 2022, announced his resignation on Monday.

He said in a statement: “I have today resigned as leader of the City of Edinburgh Council.

“The 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 inquiries.”

Mr Day said he is “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”.

He added: “I love Edinburgh and it has been an enormous privilege to have played a part in its success.”

The council’s 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 December 19 seeking nominations for his replacement.”

Mr Day faced calls from opponents to stand down after the allegations emerged.

The Sunday Mail spoke to two Ukrainians who said they received messages from Mr Day, saying they felt unable to ignore his unsolicited approaches.

Some of the messages were sent through a dating app.

One of the Ukrainians told the newspaper they felt “under pressure” when he messaged them on the app, saying they tried to ignore his hints about sex and meeting up.

Police Scotland said: “On Tuesday October 22 2024, we received a report of inappropriate behaviour.

“Inquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances.”

Speaking to the PA news agency on Monday prior to Mr Day standing down, First Minister John Swinney refused to comment on the police probe, but said: “Obviously there are very serious points that have been made in this case and serious matters that as I understand it are being investigated by the police, and it wouldn’t be right for me to comment on a live police investigation.

“But it is absolutely vital that these issues are explored fully and comprehensively because they are of such significant concern.”

Asked if he should stand down, the First Minister added: “The issues around Cammy Day are very serious, the allegations are deeply concerning and it is obviously a live investigation by the police.

“So I won’t comment in detail about the issues involved, other than to say when matters of this type are raised regardless of who they are raised about, they have got to be examined and examined fully and comprehensively so that the concerns that have been expressed can be properly addressed.”

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