THE leader of Inverclyde Council has stepped down from his role after appearing in court earlier today.
Councillor Stephen McCabe pleaded not guilty to charges of assault and threatening and abusive behaviour at Greenock Sheriff Court.
The council has confirmed that McCabe's Labour colleague, Natasha McGuire, will deputise until a new leader is appointed.
A spokesperson for Inverclyde Council said: “We can confirm today that Councillor McCabe has indicated that he has decided to step back from his role as leader of Inverclyde Council.
“Deputy leader, Councillor Natasha McGuire, will continue to deputise, following existing governance arrangements, until a new leader is appointed.
"Leadership of the council is determined by the council’s elected members. The next meeting of Inverclyde Council will take place on Thursday, December 5, 2024."
Following his initial arrest, the Labour Party announced McCabe had been suspended pending the outcome of investigations into the allegations.
The councillor had faced calls to step aside ever since he was first arrested, with the SNP group saying he had to "consider his position and resign ahead of a future meeting of the council".
However, McCabe remains in his position as a representative for the Inverclyde East ward.
He is due to return to court for trial on February 10, with an intermediate diet also being fixed for January 14.
