Allegations against Edinburgh City Council leader ‘very serious’, says Swinney

Allegations against Edinburgh City Council leader Cammy Day are “very serious”, John Swinney has said.

Mr Day is being investigated by police following a complaint of “inappropriate behaviour”, with the Sunday Mail reporting that he sent unsolicited messages to Ukrainian refugees, who said they felt unable to rebuff him.

Scottish Labour quickly suspended the council leader, who is facing calls from opponents to stand down.

Speaking to the PA news agency on Monday, the First Minister refused to comment on the police probe, but said: “Obviously there are very serious points that have been made in this case and serious matters that as I understand it are being investigated by the police, and it wouldn’t be right for me to comment on a live police investigation.

“But it is absolutely vital that these issues are explored fully and comprehensively because they are of such significant concern.”

Asked if he should stand down, the First Minister added: “The issues around Cammy Day are very serious, the allegations are deeply concerning and it is obviously a live investigation by the police.

“So I won’t comment in detail about the issues involved, other than to say when matters of this type are raised regardless of who they are raised about, they have got to be examined and examined fully and comprehensively so that the concerns that have been expressed can be properly addressed.”