Inverclyde Council leader quits as he faces trial for domestic assault

The leader of Inverclyde Council has quit as he faces trial charged with domestic assault.

Labour’s Stephen McCabe denied the allegations against him when he appeared at Greenock Sherriff Court on Friday.

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, court officials confirmed.

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 party amid an investigation into his behaviour, STV News understands.

A Labour Party spokesperson 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.”

Following McCabe’s court appearance, a spokesperson for Inverclyde Council confirmed he would cease to be council leader and a replacement would be appointed by elected members.

They said: “We can confirm today that Councillor McCabe has indicated that he has decided to step back from his role as Leader of Inverclyde Council.

“Deputy Leader Councillor McGuire will continue to deputise, following existing governance arrangements until a new Leader is appointed.

“Leadership of the Council is determined by the Council’s elected members.

“The next meeting of Inverclyde Council will take place on Thursday, December 5, 2024.”

A Police Scotland spokesperson said earlier this 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.”