Inverclyde Council Elects New Leader Following Predecessor’s Resignation

Inverclyde Council has chosen a new leader following the resignation of the previous incumbent due to assault charges. Labour Councillor Robert Moran was appointed to the position subsequent to a vote by the full council on December 5. Mr. Moran possesses over two decades of experience as a council representative, having also served as Provost of Inverclyde from 2012 to 2017. Mr. Moran succeeds Stephen McCabe, who resigned after allegations surfaced in October regarding threatening behavior towards a woman. Mr. McCabe entered a plea of not guilty to these charges at Greenock Sherriff Court on November 15. The 60-year-old councillor tendered his resignation following the court proceedings and has subsequently been suspended by Labour pending the outcome of ongoing investigations. Mr. Moran expressed his honor at assuming the leadership role, acknowledging that the council confronts numerous challenges. He noted the existence of financial difficulties within the public sector, which complicate efforts to balance the council’s budget and safeguard employment. “I will continue fighting for more funding and opportunities for Inverclyde to improve the lives of the people we serve,” he stated. Councillor Colin Jackson is set to succeed Mr. Moran as the chair of the council’s General Purposes Board.