Perth and Kinross Council leader Grant Laing quits after embezzlement charges

Perth and Kinross Council leader Grant Laing has quit after being charged with embezzlement.

The local authority said the SNP councillor stepped back from his role on Monday afternoon for “personal reasons”.

Police Scotland confirmed that the 63-year-old has been charged with embezzlement, which occurred over a period of eight years between 2017 and 2025 in the Perth area.

A report will be sent to the Procurator Fiscal.

An SNP source has confirmed that Laing is no longer a member of the party.

The source said: “This has come as a huge shock to the party. As there are live criminal proceedings, we can’t comment any further at this time.”

According to the council website, Laing is sitting as an independent.

A spokesperson for Perth and Kinross council said: “Councillor Grant Laing has notified us of his resignation as council leader for personal reasons.

“He will continue to sit as an independent councillor. A new council leader will be confirmed, and any related changes to committee appointments will take place at the next meeting of full Council on October 29, 2025.

“In the meantime, Councillor Eric Drysdale is acting Leader of the Council.”

Laing was first elected in May 2012 and represents the Strathtay ward. He was previously a director of Live Active Leisure, the body responsible for leisure facilities on behalf of Perth and Kinross Council.

He became council leader in 2022.

Councillor Laing has been asked for comment.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “A 63-year-old man has been charged with embezzlement which occurred over a period of years between 2017 and 2025 in the Perth area.

“A report will be sent to the Procurator Fiscal.”

Cllr Drysdale said: “[Laing’s] decision has come as a shock to all of his Councillor colleagues, but we shall all step up our efforts to fill the gap his departure will leave.

“Grant has given his all in the role of leader of Perth & Kinross Council for the last three-and-a-half years, driven by his wholehearted commitment to our group’s core principles underpinned by a vision of a Perth and Kinross where everyone can live life well, free from poverty and inequality.”