Edinburgh City Council Leader Under Police Investigation

The leader of Edinburgh City Council, Labour’s Cammy Day, is currently the subject of a police investigation concerning an allegation of inappropriate behaviour. Scottish Labour verified his suspension, which is in effect until the investigation concludes. The Sunday Mail reported that Day “bombarded Ukrainian refugees” with messages. Day has been asked for his response. BBC Scotland interviewed one of the refugees contacted by Day, who arrived in Scotland after Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. This individual stated that the council leader communicated with them via social media and connected with them on a dating platform. They allege he posed sexually explicit inquiries and proposed a meeting for wine. The refugee expressed discomfort with the interaction but indicated feeling compelled to reply due to Day’s position and apprehension regarding his sway. An Edinburgh City Council spokeswoman issued a statement, saying: “All matters raised with the chief executive and monitoring officer have been progressed through our established processes in consultation [with] our independent whistleblowing service, Safecall, and, where appropriate, Police Scotland.” Anas Sarwar, the leader of Scottish Labour, commented on BBC Scotland’s Sunday Show, characterizing the allegations as “deeply distressing”. He noted that the party learned of the claims on Saturday, leading to Day’s immediate suspension. Sarwar stated that determining whether additional investigation is necessary falls to the police and the council, and that allowing these procedures to unfold naturally was appropriate. A senior councillor within the Labour-controlled administration informed BBC Scotland News of his “confidence” that Day would “do the right thing”. When questioned about whether Day should step down as leader, transport convenor Stephen Jenkinson responded that while the party acted promptly to suspend his former colleague, resignation was not “a decision that’s within my control”. A spokesperson for Scottish Labour affirmed that the party treats all complaints with gravity and investigates them according to party guidelines. A Police Scotland spokesman stated: “On Tuesday 22 October, we received a report of inappropriate behaviour.” “Inquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances.” The police force additionally verified that an earlier report concerning Day had been filed this year, but no criminal activity was determined in connection with that incident. The Ukrainian consulate in Edinburgh conveyed its apprehension regarding these reports. It declared: “Our goal is to protect the rights and dignity of Ukrainian citizens who have been forced to seek temporary sanctuary in Scotland due to Russia’s war against Ukraine.” The consulate further stated that it “looks forward to the results of the investigation and expresses hope for a fair resolution of this case”. Day, previously a community development worker, entered politics in his thirties, securing a councillor position in 2008. He has headed a minority Labour administration since 2022. Opposition politicians are currently demanding his resignation. Councillor Simita Kumar, who heads the SNP group in Edinburgh, stated on social media that Day ought to “resign immediately”. The leaders of the council’s Liberal Democrat and Conservative factions have issued comparable demands. Sue Webber, a Scottish Conservative MSP representing Lothian, commented: “Cammy Day should step down as leader of the council while these allegations are investigated.” “There is surely no way he can command the support of the local Labour group, and will be unable to carry out the critical and important role as leader of the council.” Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content found on external websites. Information regarding our external linking policy is available.