Edinburgh Council leader Cammy Day resigns over 'unsolicited messages to refugees'

Cammy Day has resigned as the leader of Edinburgh City Council over “unsolicited messages” he sent to Ukrainian refugees.

Day is being investigated by police following a complaint of “inappropriate behaviour”, with the Sunday Mail reporting he sent the messages after they felt unable to rebuff him.

Councillors from each political group will be asked to nominate a candidate to take the helm of the capital’s local authority at a meeting next week.

In a statement, Day said: “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 enquiries.

“I am 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.

“I’m also proud to have led a way of successfully doing politics across divides, finding a way to deliver on our priorities for our people and our city.”

The Sunday Mail spoke to two Ukrainians who said they received messages from 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.

Paul Lawrence, the chief executive of the City of Edinburgh Council, said he had received 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,” he said.

Day was suspended from the Scottish Labour Party following the accusations and had faced calls to stand down from opposition politicians.

A Labour spokeswoman said: “The Labour Party takes all complaints seriously.

“They are fully investigated in line with our rules and procedures, and any appropriate action is taken.”

On Monday, First Minister John Swinney said it “wouldn’t be right” for him 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,” he said.

Asked if Day 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.”

Responding to the resignation, SNP 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. This 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.”

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

“Inquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances.”