Inverclyde Council boss re-elected after assault charge dropped

A veteran politician has been re-elected to the role of leader of Inverclyde Council – almost four months after stepping down from the post.

Councillor Stephen McCabe returns to the job after Labour colleague councillor Robert Moran decided to resign for health and family reasons.

The appointment was confirmed at a special council meeting on Thursday after the local authority set its budget and a council tax rise of 8.5 per cent for 2025/26.

Councillor McCabe said: “I’d like to firstly thank Robert for his kind words and for the stellar job he has done as leader, albeit for a short time.

“It speaks volumes of Robert as a person that he stepped up when called upon and put the best interests of the council and the people of Inverclyde before himself and his family, however, health and family comes first and his decision to step down as leader is completely understandable.

“Secondly, I’d like to thank fellow councillors for once again putting their faith in me to lead the council and electing me as council leader.

“As I have always done, I will give my all to serve the council and the people of Inverclyde and make the case for Inverclyde at local and national levels.”

Councillor Moran had only taken on the role in December, replacing councillor McCabe who confirmed he was stepping back almost a month before then.

Councillor McCabe did so after pleading not guilty to charges of threatening or abusive behaviour and assault at Greenock Sheriff Court on Friday, November 15.

The Crown confirmed last month that the case against him would not “proceed at this time.” A trial date had initially been set for Monday, February 10, but the case did not proceed.

A spokesperson for the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service said previously: “After careful consideration of all of the relevant facts and circumstances, the Procurator Fiscal decided that the case should not proceed at this time.

“The Crown reserves the right to proceed in the future.”

Two amendments were submitted last week – one nominating councillor Chris Curley, new SNP group leader, and another requesting no decision be made at the summit but rather consider the matter at a later date.

However, ultimately, a motion recommending the election of councillor McCabe was voted through on the day.

Councillor Moran, a former provost, said: “When I took on the job of council leader I indicated to my colleagues from the outset that it was on an interim basis due to the circumstances at that time.

“However, during that period, I have had some health issues and I also need to put my family first and it is for those reasons that I have decided to step down.

“While my time as leader has been short-lived, it was a massive honour and privilege and an experience that I thoroughly enjoyed.

“I would like to place on record my thanks to fellow councillors across the chamber, the chief executive, directors, corporate management team, council officers, and, most importantly, the people of Inverclyde for their support over the last three months.

“I’d like to welcome back Stephen McCabe, who has been a terrific support to me over the years, as leader of the council.”