Inverclyde Council leader Stephen McCabe resigns after appearing in court on assault charge

Inverclyde Council leader Stephen McCabe resigns after court appearance

Stephen McCabe, the leader of Inverclyde Council, has announced his resignation from his position following a court appearance where he faced charges of assault and threatening or abusive behaviour. The 60-year-old denied both charges during the hearing at Greenock Sheriff Court. The allegations stem from an incident in Kilmacolm, Inverclyde, on October 27. McCabe is accused of behaving aggressively towards a woman and assaulting her on that date. He has pleaded not guilty to both charges and has been released on bail with specific conditions.

The next court hearing is scheduled for January 14 next year, with a trial set for February 10. In response to the situation, Inverclyde Council released a statement confirming McCabe’s decision to step down. Deputy leader Councillor McGuire will act in his place according to existing governance protocols until a new leader is appointed. McCabe, a Labour councillor representing the Inverclyde East ward, which includes areas like Port Glasgow and Quarrier’s Village, has also been suspended from the Labour Party pending further investigation.

A spokesperson for the Labour Party stated that all complaints are taken seriously and investigated thoroughly in line with party rules and procedures. The leadership of Inverclyde Council is determined by elected members, and the council’s next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, December 5, 2024.

Insights and Summary:
Stephen McCabe’s resignation from his position as the leader of Inverclyde Council comes after his court appearance on assault charges. The allegations have triggered a series of events, including his administrative suspension from the Labour Party. This development will likely have implications for the leadership and governance of the Council going forward.