Edinburgh Council Leader, Cammy Day, has stepped down following claims of sending ‘sexually inappropriate’ messages to Ukrainian refugees.
Mr Day, 50, who is also a local councillor in the Forth ward, was suspended by his party on Saturday and is subject to a police investigation after two Ukrainian refugees made claims of inappropriate behaviour
Pressure was mounted on the Labour councillor, who leads a minority administration, and today he has quit the top job.
In a statement Mr Day said: “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 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 allegations against Mr Day were first reported at the weekend.
They claim how one Ukrainian national who fled the Russian invasion in 2022 was bombarded with messages from the Labour politician when they arrived in Edinburgh.
The messages claim to show Mr Day asking sexually explicit questions, sending love hearts and kissing emojis and repeatedly asking the individual if they want to “meet up for wine”.
Most of them were unanswered by the refugees.
Mr Day is also claimed to have contacted them on a dating app where the messages were more sexually explicit.
Following the revelations the Council’s Chief Executive, Paul Lawerence, sent an email to all staff telling them to ‘to speak up when something isn’t right’.
In his email he said: “Colleagues, you may have seen media headlines over the weekend regarding the council leader, Councillor Cammy Day.
“I appreciate this may be a difficult time for you and would like to remind you of the support available by PAM Assist, our confidential Employee Assistance Programme.
“Further, it’s extremely important that everyone feels able to speak up when they feel something isn’t right. If you witness, experience or have concerns about unacceptable behaviour, you should speak to your line manager, or another line manager you feel safe confiding in.”
A police probe into his conduct remains “ongoing”.
A spokesman for the force said: “On October 22 we received a report of inappropriate behaviour.
“Inquiries are ongoing.”
The City of Edinburgh council will now start the process to replace Mr Day.
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 19 December seeking nominations for his replacement.”
