Cammy Day: Edinburgh council leader quits over alleged messages

The leader of Edinburgh City Council has resigned after police launched an investigation into an allegation of inappropriate behaviour.

Labour’s Cammy Day had previously been suspended pending the outcome of the probe.

It was reported by the Sunday Mail that Day had “bombarded” Ukrainian refugees with messages, including asking sexually explicit questions.

He confirmed his decision to stand down as council leader in a letter to the chief executive.

One of the refugees spoken to by Day told BBC Scotland News the council leader sent them messages on social media and added them on a dating site.

The Ukrainian, who came to Scotland following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, claimed Day asked them sexually explicit questions and suggested meeting for wine.

The refugee said they were uncomfortable with the contact but felt pressure to respond, given his status, and were afraid of his influence.

Police Scotland said it was investigating a complaint of inappropriate behaviour made on 22 October.

The force also confirmed that a report had been made about Day earlier this year but no criminality was established in that case.

Edinburgh City Council said it dealt with complaints through “established processes in consultation [with] our independent whistleblowing service, Safecall, and, where appropriate, Police Scotland”.