The leader of Edinburgh city council has been suspended by the Labour Party following allegations he sent sexually explicit messages to Ukrainian refugees.
Cammy Day, who has led the local authority since May 2022, is facing calls to resign after reports emerged that he sent unwanted messages through social media and dating apps to refugees who had fled the war.
The Sunday Mail revealed that two Ukrainian refugees had come forward about receiving unsolicited approaches from the council boss, which included sexually explicit questions and requests to “meet up for wine”.
The messages, which have been seen by the newspaper, contained love heart and kissing emojis, with more explicit content sent through dating apps.
Cammy Day has been leader of Edinburgh city council since May 2022
Getty
One of the refugees told the Sunday Mail: “From the very beginning when I arrived in Scotland I was open to finding new friends as I was by myself in the country.”
The refugee explained how Day had found and subscribed to their social media accounts, intensively liking their stories and sending kissing emojis, particularly on gym and pool photos.
“Every time he wrote to me in the dating app I felt under pressure, afraid to say no or say something wrong,” they said.
A second refugee, who has since left Edinburgh, reported similar experiences with Day contacting them through multiple platforms.
“He started following me then sent lots of emojis and reactions to posts and asked to meet up.
“It was too much and I didn’t know how to say I didn’t want him to contact me any more because of his position,” they told the paper.
Day (middle) is facing calls to resign
PA
Police Scotland confirmed they are investigating reports of “inappropriate behaviour” against the council leader.
The force said: “On Tuesday, October 22, 2024, we received a report of inappropriate behaviour. Inquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances.”
The Times reported that two complaints had been made to the council’s whistleblowing hotline over the last year.
When questioned previously about the police investigation, Day said: “I’m not aware I’ve done anything wrong and if I have then obviously I’d speak to the relevant authorities, but I’ve heard nothing about this so honestly can’t comment.”
A Scottish Labour spokeswoman 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.”
Police Scotland confirmed they are investigating reports of “inappropriate behaviour” against Day (front middle)
PA
Opposition leaders across Edinburgh City Council have called for Day’s immediate resignation following the revelations.
Simita Kumar, leader of the SNP group and the largest party in the City Chambers, described the allegations as “beyond shocking” and said she was “almost lost for words.”
Liberal Democrat group leader Kevin Lang wrote: “These are exceptionally serious allegations. Given this, it is clear to me that Cammy Day must step down as Leader of Edinburgh Council immediately.”
Conservative group leader Iain Whyte stated that Day “must step aside immediately” following his Labour suspension.
GB News has approached Day for comment.
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