Former provost replaces council leader who resigned after domestic assault charge

A former provost has been chosen as the new leader of Inverclyde Council after the previous leader stood down after being charged with domestic assault.

Councillor Robert Moran has been elected as the leader following a full council meeting on Thursday, December 5.

He replaces Councillor Stephen McCabe, who stepped down last month after being arrested and charged with domestic assault.

McCabe, 60, is accused of behaving in a threatening or abusive manner towards a woman in Kilmacolm, Inverclyde, on October 27 this year.

It is also alleged that he assaulted the same woman on that date.

He pleaded not guilty to both charges when he appeared at Greenock Sherriff Court on Friday, November 15.

A further court hearing will take place on January 14 next year, with a trial date set for February 10.

The 60-year-old has been suspended from the Labour party amid an investigation into his behaviour, STV News understands.

A Labour Party spokesperson said last month: “The Labour Party takes all complaints seriously.

“They are fully investigated in line with our rules and procedures, and any appropriate action is taken.”

Cllr Moran currently represents Inverclyde East Central (Ward 2) and was first elected as a councillor in 1996, serving for two years before being re-elected in 2003.

The Scottish Labour elected member served as Provost of Inverclyde from 2012 until 2017.

Cllr Moran said: “It’s an honour and a privilege to be elected as the leader of Inverclyde Council.

“I was fortunate enough to represent the area as provost for four years and I look forward to serving as leader of the council and working collaboratively with council officers and councillors of all parties and none to deliver for the people of Inverclyde.

“There are many challenges ahead and none more so than the financial challenges right across the public sector which makes it increasingly difficult each year for councils to deliver a balanced budget while protecting jobs and frontline services.

“I will continue fighting for more funding and opportunities for Inverclyde to improve the lives of the people we serve.

“But there is also lots to look forward to and celebrate.

“Inverclyde is a wonderful place with a caring and compassionate community who, like myself, want to make the area an even better place to live, work, visit, and do business.”

A Police Scotland spokesperson said last month: “A 60-year-old man has been arrested and charged in relation to a domestic assault and a breach of the peace.

“He has been released on an undertaking to appear in court at a later date.

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