Stephen McCabe reappointed as Inverclyde Council leader

Stephen McCabe has been re-elected as leader of Inverclyde Council.

The Labour councillor stepped down in November amidst charges of assault and threatening behaviour. These were dropped by prosecutors last month.

Councillor Robert Moran took charge of the local authority in the intervening period, but has now stepped down due, citing health and family reasons.

At a special meeting of the council today, McCabe was appointed into the leadership role again.

He said Moran had done "a stellar job", adding: "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.

“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.

“Inverclyde is a truly unique and wonderful place and, while we have many challenges, there are also many opportunities and I look forward to building on the good work that has been done to date and achieving our shared ambition of making Inverclyde an even better place to live, work, visit, and do business.”

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."