Inverclyde Council Leader Resigns Following Assault Charges

The leader of Inverclyde Council has resigned from his position subsequent to a court appearance where he faced charges of assault and threatening behaviour. Stephen McCabe, a Labour party member, formally relinquished his role at Inverclyde Council after attending Greenock Sheriff Court on Friday. The 60-year-old denied allegations of shouting and behaving aggressively towards a woman, as well as a second accusation of assaulting her at a residence in Kilmacolm by grabbing her body and pushing her on 27 October this year. The local authority issued a statement confirming that Mr McCabe, who has served as the council’s leader since 2011, had “stepped back” from his responsibilities. Mr McCabe was granted bail, subject to specific conditions prohibiting him from contacting or approaching the complainer or entering a particular address within the area. Reports indicate that he has been administratively suspended by the Labour party while awaiting the conclusion of any ongoing investigation. In an official statement, Inverclyde Council declared: “We can confirm today that Councillor McCabe has indicated that he has decided to step back from his role as leader of Inverclyde Council.” “Deputy leader Councillor McGuire will continue to deputise, following existing governance arrangements until a new leader is appointed.” “Leadership of the council is determined by the council’s elected members. The next meeting of Inverclyde Council will take place on 5 December.”