MORE than 500 people have backed a petition calling for the removal of an Inverclyde councillor who resigned as leader last year but then got re-elected to the position after an assault charge against him was dropped.
Labour's Stephen McCabe returned as leader of the council last week after Robert Moran, who took over the role in December, resigned at a meeting for health and family reasons.
Prosecutors dropped assault and threatening behaviour charges against McCabe earlier this month after "careful consideration of all of the relevant facts and circumstances".
After councillors re-appointed him, McCabe thanked them for "once again putting their faith in me".
However, hundreds have signed a petition which demands his resignations and condemns his reinstatement.
At the time of writing, the petition has 554 backers.
The description on change.org states: "We, the undersigned, strongly oppose the reappointment of Stephen McCabe as leader of Inverclyde Council. Given the serious allegations and ongoing investigations surrounding him, his reinstatement undermines public confidence in the integrity and accountability of our local government.
"Mr McCabe was previously suspended by the Labour Party pending an investigation into allegations that he shouted and acted aggressively towards a woman, as well as a second charge of assaulting her at a home in Kilmacolm on October 27 last year. While the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service decided not to proceed with the case at this time, they have explicitly stated they reserve the right to do so in the future.
"Furthermore, councillor McCabe is currently under investigation by the Ethical Standards Commissioner for allegedly failing to declare a financial connection with a Labour Peer. This raises further concerns about transparency and ethical governance within Inverclyde Council."
Independent Councillor Lynne Quinn has previously voiced serious concerns, stating: "How can councillor McCabe effectively serve as a leader and role model for young people, women, and the broader community, given the gravity of these unresolved allegations and the ongoing investigation? How can he represent Inverclyde in external partnerships when his public profile is so tainted?"
Backers also are calling for a full explanation from Labour councillors who voted to reinstate McCabe, as well as a commitment to "upholding the highest standards of integrity and accountability in local government".
