Stephen McCabe, the leader of Inverclyde Council, has stepped down from his position after making his court appearance. McCabe, 60, entered his plea at Greenock Sheriff Court, where he faces charges of assault and threatening behavior. His resignation came swiftly on the heels of these legal proceedings, shaking the local political scene.
According to reports, McCabe pleaded not guilty to the accusations made against him. These allegations stem from incidents involving abusive behavior toward a woman, which reportedly occurred on October 27 of this year. Following his plea, he has been released on bail, with specific conditions preventing him from approaching the complainant or entering certain areas within Inverclyde.
The situation has led to Deputy Leader Natasha McGuire taking over interim leadership responsibilities. A spokesperson for Inverclyde Council announced, “Councillor McCabe has indicated he has decided to step back from his role as Leader of Inverclyde Council. Meanwhile, Councillor McGuire will continue to perform tasks as per existing governance arrangements until we appoint someone new.”
McCabe, who is associated with the Labour party, has been suspended from his party role pending the outcome of the investigation. His decision to resign undoubtedly reflects not only the gravity of the circumstances but also the pressure from both the public and political peers.
McGuire expressed her emotions surrounding the situation, stating it was disappointing to step up under such chaotic conditions. She emphasized, “It’s not something you expect to happen... but Inverclyde as a local authority doesn’t stop just because something like this has happened.” Her commitment to continuing the work for the constituents of Inverclyde during this transitional period remains strong.
The incident has elicited responses from various council members and local politicians. The Scottish National Party (SNP) had been vocal prior to McCabe’s resignation, calling for him to step down swiftly after his initial arrest was announced.
SNP group leader Elizabeth Robertson commented, “We welcome the news of Councillor McCabe’s decision to resign. It was unfortunate it took this long for this to happen.” She expressed her intention to seek clarity on what McCabe's suspension from the Labour group would mean for the council’s daily operations.
The upcoming council meeting, set for December 5, 2024, will be pivotal as the council navigates these challenges. Councillor McCabe, meanwhile, will still represent the Inverclyde East ward and is due back in court for trial on February 10, with another hearing scheduled for January 14.
Local residents will no doubt be watching how the council can stabilize leadership and continue to address community needs amid these troubling developments. The outcome of McCabe's trial might not only affect his personal fate but also the political dynamics within Inverclyde Council.
