Labour Suspends Edinburgh Council Leader for Alleged Misconduct
The Labour leader of Edinburgh city council, Cammy Day, has been suspended by his party and is facing calls to resign following reports he sent Ukrainian refugees ‘sexually explicit messages’.
Witnesses Speak Out
Leaders of all other political groups in the council took to social media to call for his immediate resignation on Saturday night after it was revealed an investigation by the Sunday Mail uncovered the allegations.
Expert Commentary
The newspaper reports Mr Day sent “sexually explicit messages to Ukrainian refugees who believe he abused his position of power”. It said Labour suspended him after it learned of the allegations.
Investigation Ongoing
Full details of the claims are still to emerge at the time of writing. The Herald has contacted Day for comment. City of Edinburgh Council has also been approached and it is expected to issue a statement later today.
Police Involvement
It comes after Police Scotland confirmed they were investigating reports of “inappropriate behavior” against the council leader. The Times reported on Friday this followed two complaints made to the authority’s whistleblowing hotline made over the last year.
Personal Touch
In response to the allegations, Day said: “I’m not aware I’ve done anything wrong and if I have then obviously I’d speak to the relevant authorities, but I’ve heard nothing about this so honestly can’t comment.”
Calls for Resignation
Simita Kumar, leader of the SNP group, the largest in the City Chambers, said the latest claims were “beyond shocking,” adding: “I’m almost lost for words.” Tagging Day in a post on X, she said he “needs to resign as Council Leader immediately.”
Kevin Lang, Lib Dem group leader, wrote: “These are exceptionally serious allegations. Given this, it is clear to me that Cammy Day must step down as Leader of Edinburgh Council immediately.”
Iain Whyte, leader of the council’s Conservatives, also took to the social media platform, saying: “If Cammy Day has been suspended by Labour he can’t have their support to remain as Council Leader. He must step aside immediately. The Council as a whole can then decide a way forward.”
Meanwhile Green group co-leader Chas Booth took to Bluesky. “Shocking news,” he wrote. “The council leader should resign immediately.”
