What next for our city: Will councillors abandon point-scoring for problem solving?
New Council Leader pledges to build consensus to tackle city's pressing issues
It was all a bit surreal wasn’t it? A day of carols and cannonades, of festive cheer and political jeers, as councillors met in the grand surroundings of Edinburgh’s City Chambers to debate, argue, accuse and finally elect a new leader.
But then it was always destined for strangeness given it was brought about by one of the Capital’s most bizarre political falls from grace since Deacon Brodie was nabbed for housebreaking in 1788.
Labour Councillor Jane Meagher was bidding to become the new Council Leader to replace her former boss, Cammy Day, after he was forced to resign less than two weeks ago over claims he sent unsolicited sexually explicit messages to Ukrainian refugees, He is under police investigation after being reported for “inappropriate behaviour.” He is also facing an unrelated council investigation over claims he has acted as an unregistered landlord.
The meeting started out well enough, with local primary school children receiving a standing ovation for their Christmas songs but Lord Provost Robert Aldridge’s wish for the continued showing of festive spirit was to go unanswered. On all sides, the mood was unforgiving.
Much at stake
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