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Perth and Kinross council leader quits after embezzlement charge Perth and Kinross council leader quits after embezzlement charge
(32 minutes later)
Councillor Grant Laing has resigned as council leaderCouncillor Grant Laing has resigned as council leader
The leader of Perth and Kinross Council has resigned after being charged with embezzlement.The leader of Perth and Kinross Council has resigned after being charged with embezzlement.
Grant Laing, who has also left the SNP, is accused of the crime over a period of years between 2017 and 2025 in the Perth area.Grant Laing, who has also left the SNP, is accused of the crime over a period of years between 2017 and 2025 in the Perth area.
The 63-year-old was first elected to represent the Strathtay ward in 2012 and became council leader after the 2022 Scottish council elections.The 63-year-old was first elected to represent the Strathtay ward in 2012 and became council leader after the 2022 Scottish council elections.
The council said Mr Laing had stepped down due to "personal reasons" and he will now sit as an independent councillor. Police Scotland said a report will be sent to the procurator fiscal.The council said Mr Laing had stepped down due to "personal reasons" and he will now sit as an independent councillor. Police Scotland said a report will be sent to the procurator fiscal.
An SNP source said: "This has come as a huge shock to the party. As there are live criminal proceedings, we can't comment any further at this time."
Deputy leader Eric Drysdale will step in as acting leader until the next full council meeting on 29 October.Deputy leader Eric Drysdale will step in as acting leader until the next full council meeting on 29 October.
Councillor Drysdale said: "Grant's decision has come as a shock to all of his councillor colleagues, but we shall all step up our efforts to fill the gap his departure will leave. Councillor Drysdale told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: "I acknowledge the resignation of Grant Laing as leader of Perth and Kinross Council following today's developments.
"Grant has given his all in the role of leader of Perth and Kinross Council for the last three-and-a-half years, driven by his wholehearted commitment to our group's core principles underpinned by a vision of a Perth and Kinross where everyone can live life well, free from poverty and inequality." "These are very serious matters and it is right that due process takes its course.
"In the meantime, my priority as acting leader is to ensure stability and continuity for the council, its staff, and the communities we serve. We will continue to focus on delivering essential services and supporting the people of Perth and Kinross."
Laing's resignation was announced earlier in a brief update on the council's website.Laing's resignation was announced earlier in a brief update on the council's website.
The council declined to comment further.The council declined to comment further.
The SNP has confirmed to the BBC that Laing is no longer a member.The SNP has confirmed to the BBC that Laing is no longer a member.