Latest news with #CammyDay
The Herald Scotland
12-07-2025
- Politics
- The Herald Scotland
A vote of no confidence in Labour council could happen
The dissatisfaction stems from the quality of the new civic leadership. To my mind, Portobello councillor Jane Meagher, only elected three years ago and now 73, doesn't seem entirely happy in the job. Her plaintive monologues at council meetings do nothing to dispel my notion that she would rather be doing anything than answering for a major local authority with a billion-pound budget and a perpetual crisis. Her deputy, the personable Morningside councillor Mandy Watt is the brains of the operation, but at times struggles to get her points across. Read more John McLellan: The inside story of the battle for control of Edinburgh What row over Edinburgh Tour de France bid shows - and it may not be what you think Edinburgh is held back by its can't do attitude. It should be more like Glasgow Those with the greatest regrets should be the Lib Dem councillors who were keenest for Cllr Meagher to take over, but it's a situation entirely resulting from their refusal to take over the administration when the opportunity presented itself, as this column explored last week. Remorseful or reluctant, it is the cause of much frustration amongst the Conservative group which can only watch helplessly as the Lib Dems are able to dictate budget priorities but then accept no responsibility for the outcomes, and Labour continuing to return reasonable levels of local support locally despite humiliation in Westminster and what they see as incompetence in delivering basic council services, particularly education and street maintenance. There is also what's been described as a ticking timebomb in social care, particularly residential care for young people, the subject of a damning report in 2022, and allegations that few, if any of its recommendations have been acted upon. Push is now coming to shove, and as the 14-strong Lib Dem group takes the summer to consider whether they will pull the plug on Labour's tenuous control, senior Conservatives are considering whether to force the issue by either tabling a motion of no confidence in the Labour administration or supporting a similar motion if proposed by either the SNP or Green parties. A plan to have Cammy Day voted in as planning convener could be the catalyst for change. (Image: Gordon Terris) The catalyst could be Labour's plan to have Cammy Day voted in as planning convener at the first council meeting after the summer recess, a move which does not command unanimous support in either the Labour group, never mind the Lib Dems or Tories. But even if the nomination is withdrawn, just the proposal could be enough to persuade enough councillors across the chamber that time should be called. Some in the Conservative group remain to be convinced, but after last week's column, one councillor spoke of fears that at current polling levels the group could be reduced from its current ten to as few as four or five at the 2027 elections. Whether it's because of a sense that something must be done, or there's nothing to left to lose, a Conservative-led vote of no confidence in the Labour administration is now a real possibility, and as it would almost certainly be supported by the SNP and Green groups, the administration would fall. Read more: Attempt to strip historic Vogue cinema's listed status thrown out Hospitality giant threatened with legal action for leaving Trainspotting pub 'to rot' Barrowland unveils 'ambitious' plans to alter famous facade The parties would then have until the next meeting in September to sort out new positions they could support, and if the Lib Dems insisted on refusing to take over, or Labour rejected a Lib Dem administration, the blame for letting in the SNP-Greens could not be laid at the Tories door, as some fear it might, forgetting that voters seem happy to support the Lib Dems despite facilitating the SNP budget at Holyrood.
Edinburgh Reporter
19-06-2025
- Politics
- Edinburgh Reporter
Report on former council leader Cammy Day approved
Former council leader Cammy Day has been accused of subjecting a fellow Labour councillor to a 'drunken tirade' at a Christmas party that left her in tears. Councillor Katrina Faccenda spoke out to say that she '[does] not welcome' Cllr Day's return into the party's group as Edinburgh Council agreed steps to address the council's 'culture of hospitality' – including drinking events on city property – and to improve the process of handling complaints against councillors. They were part of the recommendations from an independent report into the city's handling of misconduct allegations against Cllr Day. Directly addressed Councillor Day – who attended the meeting remotely – Cllr Faccenda said: 'I have been subjected to a drunken tirade by Councillor Day that actually forced me to leave a Christmas party in tears.' She also said that issues in the party had led her to sleepless nights, and that she had considered not attending Thursday's full council meeting due to Day's possible presence. Cllr Day resigned as council leader in December last year over allegations that he had sent unwanted inappropriate images to, and harassed, two Ukrainian refugees. He was administratively suspended by the Labour Party soon after, pending an investigation. The council agreed to hold an investigation into the city's handling of misconduct complaints against him and other councillors. It was debated by councillors on Thursday, and found that the city had 'inadequately' handled complaints into his behaviour. It further suggested that the council's 'culture of hospitality' – including drinking events on city property – needed to be addressed. Councillors have agreed to take action on recommendations made by the Dunion Report, including reforms to the city's whistleblowing system and improving safeguarding in the council. They also noted issues with the city's process for staff to complain against councillors, which can see complainants cross-examined in a Standards Committee meeting by the councillor they are making accusations against. Further, they agreed to request that dedicated safeguarding staff are placed in the City Chambers, to support complaints made by staff there. Cllr Day was recently readmitted to the Labour Party and the council's Labour group after a police investigation cleared him of criminal wrongdoing. And an investigation by Labour cleared him to be returned to the party, with recent press reports suggesting he may be appointed the convener of a council committee. SNP Cllr Simita Kumar said the report revealed a 'deeply troubling catalogue of allegations against Councillor Day'. 'The report references several instances and a number of individuals over a significant period of time,' she said. 'I am appalled to read the complainant's disclosures were dismissed as gossip. 'While councillor Day's actions may not have crossed a criminal threshold, his conduct is not compatible with the standards expected of us.' And she said the decision to readmit Cllr day to the Labour Party was 'rushed and reckless', adding: 'This is a Labour group that have abandoned their moral compass.' Earlier in the meeting, council leader Jane Meagher strongly affirmed that she welcomed the findings of the Dunion Report, which investigated the handling of reports against Cllr Day. SNP group leader Simita Kumar asked Cllr Meagher if she'd seen the full contents of the report. Cllr Meagher replied: 'As you know, as council leader, I take all complaints seriously. The party investigates all complaints in line with their rules and procedures. 'These investigations are done by specially trained staff in the party's governance and legal units. 'Quite rightly, I am not privy to any details of the Labour Party's deliberations. 'I do know that, after an investigation by the Labour Party, Cllr Day's administrative suspension has been lifted, and no conditions were attached. 'I look forward to working with Cammy again.' Cllr Kumar also asked: 'Cllr Day has been readmitted to the Labour group. Can the council leader tell us what steps she has taken to assure herself that Cllr Day is fit to sit as an elected representative?' Cllr Meagher replied: 'In response, I would like to draw back a little, and remind ourselves about the purpose of the Dunion Report. 'The purpose was not to reinvestigate any allegations, in this case against Cllr Day, but indeed about any elected member. 'It seems to me, in terms of double jeopardy, that it is morally, ethically, and possibly legally wrong to try somebody twice. 'In terms of the Dunion report, and my own commitment to supporting and working through, and enacting the recommendations in the report, then that will be my aim, rather than looking at what has already been dealt with by the police, by the Standards Commission, and the Labour Party itself. 'In terms of the Labour Party, it fully investigated any complaints about Cllr Day, he has been readmitted to the Labour Party without any conditions, therefore he is a councillor member of the Labour party, and therefore of the Labour group. Thank you.' Cllr Faccenda closed her speech by saying she would not back away from the Labour Party, and said she 'looked forward to hearing from [Cllr Day's] lawyers'. Earlier in the meeting, independent councillor and former Labour member Ross McKenzie challenged the party's whip, Councillor Stephen Jenkinson, over a Facebook post in support of Cllr Day. Fighting for time with the Lord Provost, Cllr McKenzie asked Cllr Jenkinson about a post he made after the publication of the Dunion Report, which referred to the investigations into Cllr Day as a 'political hatchet job'. Cllr Jenkinson did not look at Cllr McKenzie as he was challenged, instead staring directly ahead. Conservative councillor Phil Doggart said senior officers had 'failed in their duty' in handling complaints made against Cllr Day. He continued to address councillors: 'All it takes for evil to triumph is for good people to do nothing. We [councillors] are responsible for the conduct of this organisation.' By Joseph Sullivan Local Democracy Reporter Like this: Like Related
Edinburgh Live
19-06-2025
- Politics
- Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh councillor accuses former leader of 'drunken tirade' at Christmas party
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Former council leader Cammy Day has been accused of subjecting a fellow Labour councillor to a 'drunken tirade' at a Christmas party that left her in tears. Councillor Katrina Faccenda spoke out to say that she '[does] not welcome' Cllr Day's return into the party's group as Edinburgh Council agreed steps to address the council's 'culture of hospitality' – including drinking events on city property – ad to improve the process of handling complaints against councillors. They were part of the recommendations from an independent report into the city's handling of misconduct allegations against Cllr Day. Directly addressed Councillor Day - who attended the meeting remotely - Cllr Faccenda said: 'I have been subjected to a drunken tirade by Councillor Day that actually forced me to leave a Christmas party in tears.' She also said that issues in the party had led her to sleepless nights, and that she had considered not attending Thursday's full council meeting due to Day's possible presence. Cllr Day resigned as council leader in December last year over allegations that he had sent unwanted inappropriate images to, and harassed, two Ukrainian refugees. He was administratively suspended by the Labour Party soon after, pending an investigation. The council agreed to hold an investigation into the city's handling of misconduct complaints against him and other councillors. It was debated by councillors on Thursday, and found that the city had 'inadequately' handled complaints into his behaviour. It further suggested that the council's 'culture of hospitality' – including drinking events on city property – needed to be addressed. Councillors agreed with the recommendations of the report, and have backed an ask of officers to determine how to carry them out. Cllr Day was recently readmitted to the Labour Party and the council's Labour group after a police investigation cleared him of criminal wrongdoing. And an investigation by Labour cleared him to be returned to the party, with recent press reports suggesting he may be appointed the convener of a council committee. SNP Cllr Simita Kumar said the report revealed a 'deeply troubling catalogue of allegations against Councillor Day'. 'The report references several instances and a number of individuals over a significant period of time,' she said. 'I am appalled to read the complainant's disclosures were dismissed as gossip. 'While councillor Day's actions may not have crossed a criminal threshold, his conduct is not compatible with the standards expected of us.' And she said the decision to readmit Cllr day to the Labour Party was "rushed and reckless", adding: "This is a Labour group that have abandoned their moral compass." Earlier in the meeting, council leader Jane Meagher strongly affirmed that she welcomed the findings of the Dunion Report, which investigated the handling of reports against Cllr Day. But, in response to a question by SNP group leader Simita Kumar, she said she was 'looking forward to working with Cammy again'. Cllr Meagher also said she had not seen the outcome of Labour's investigation into Cllr Day. Cllr Faccenda closed her speech by saying she would not back away from the Labour Party, and said she 'looked forward to hearing from [Cllr Day's] lawyers'. Earlier in the meeting, independent councillor and former Labour member Ross McKenzie challenged the party's whip, Councillor Stephen Jenkinson, over a Facebook post in support of Cllr Day. Fighting for time with the Lord Provost, Cllr McKenzie asked Cllr Jenkinson about a post he made after the publication of the Dunion Report, which referred to the investigations into Cllr Day as a 'political hatchet job'. Cllr Jenkinson did not look at Cllr McKenzie as he was challenged, instead staring directly ahead.
Edinburgh Live
15-06-2025
- Politics
- Edinburgh Live
Man who made complaint against former Edinburgh Council leader Cammy Day speaks out
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info A man who complained about former Edinburgh council leader Cammy Day has slammed the Labour party, after he was allowed to rejoin. The man claimed that he was being sexually harassed in 2022. The Labour party allegedly told him his complaint would have to go through a formal process to progress, which he declined, reports the Daily Record. Now the man, who is being kept anonymous, had criticised the decision to allow Day back into the party. This comes after it was alleged that he bombarded Ukrainian refugees with inappropriate messages. The man said: 'If a senior leader in the Labour Party can act in a sexually inappropriate manner with impunity, what message does that send to victims of sexual harassment? Sign up for Edinburgh Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox "Scottish Labour have given the green light to misconduct by re-admitting Cammy Day and have sent an unequivocal message to victims about whose side they are really on. 'I believe this will significantly undermine the whole system and processes that are meant to protect victims of sexual harassment; and decrease the likelihood of victims coming forward in future. Shame on them.' Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages. A Labour Party spokesperson said: 'The Labour Party takes all complaints seriously. "They are fully investigated in line with our rules and procedures and any appropriate action is taken.'
Daily Record
15-06-2025
- Politics
- Daily Record
Cammy Day complainer says Labour should be ashamed for readmitting council chief
SUNDAY MAIL EXCLUSIVE: The former council leader was welcomed back to the party last week despite complaints. A man who complained about former council leader Cammy Day has blasted the Labour party for allowing him to rejoin. The man, who is a constituent of Day's in Edinburgh, complained that he was being sexually harassed in 2022. The party said to progress his complaint he would have to go through a formal process, which he declined and argued it was placing the onus on victims to take action. Now the man has criticised the decision to allow Day back in to the party after we revealed he had sent sexual messages to Ukrainian refugees. He was also the subject of several complaints to Edinburgh City Council. The man said: 'If a senior leader in the Labour Party can act in a sexually inappropriate manner with impunity, what message does that send to victims of sexual harassment? Scottish Labour have given the green light to misconduct by re-admitting Cammy Day and have sent an unequivocal message to victims about whose side they are really on. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. 'I believe this will significantly undermine the whole system and processes that are meant to protect victims of sexual harassment; and decrease the likelihood of victims coming forward in future. Shame on them.' Labour Party spokesperson said: 'The Labour Party takes all complaints seriously. They are fully investigated in line with our rules and procedures and any appropriate action is taken.'
