Getty ImagesThe leader of Edinburgh City Council, Labour’s Cammy Day, is being investigated by police over an allegation of inappropriate behaviour.
Scottish Labour confirmed he had been suspended pending the outcome of the investigation.
According to the Sunday Mail, Cllr Day “bombarded Ukrainian refugees” with messages.
Cllr Day has been approached for comment.
BBC Scotland has spoken to one of the refugees – who came to Scotland following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 – contacted by Cllr Day.
They say the council leader sent them messages on social media and added them on a dating site.
They claim he asked them sexually explicit questions and suggested meeting for wine.
The refugee says they were uncomfortable with the contact but felt pressure to respond, given his status, and were afraid of his influence.
A spokeswoman for Edinburgh City Council said: “All matters raised with the chief executive and monitoring officer have been progressed through our established processes in consultation [with] our independent whistleblowing service, Safecall, and, where appropriate, Police Scotland.”
Speaking on BBC Scotland’s Sunday Show, Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar described the allegations as “deeply distressing”.
He said the party became aware of the claims on Saturday and Cllr Day was immediately suspended.
Sarwar said it was for the police and council to decide if further investigation was warranted, and it was right to let these processes take their course.
A Scottish Labour spokeswoman 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.”
Resignation calls
A Police Scotland spokesman said: “On Tuesday 22 October, we received a report of inappropriate behaviour.
“Inquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances.”
The force also confirmed that a report had been made about Cllr Day earlier this year but no criminality was established in that case.
Cllr Day has led the local authority since May 2022. Opposition politicians on the council are now calling for his resignation.
Cllr Simita Kumar, who leads the SNP group in Edinburgh, posted on social media saying Mr Day should “resign immediately”.
Leaders of the council’s Liberal Democrat and Conservative groups have made similar calls.
Sue Webber, Scottish Conservative MSP for Lothian, said: “Cammy Day should step down as leader of the council while these allegations are investigated.
“There is surely no way he can command the support of the local Labour group, and will be unable to carry out the critical and important role as leader of the council.”
