Perth and Kinross council leader quits after embezzlement charge

The chief of Perth and Kinross Council has resigned after being charged with embezzlement.Grant Laing, who has additionally left the SNP, is accused of the crime over a interval of years between 2017 and 2025 within the Perth space.The 63-year-old was first elected to signify the Strathtay ward in 2012 and have become council chief after the 2022 Scottish council elections.The council mentioned Mr Laing had stepped down resulting from “private causes” and he’ll now sit as an unbiased councillor. Police Scotland mentioned a report will probably be despatched to the procurator fiscal.An SNP supply mentioned: “This has come as an enormous shock to the get together. As there are dwell prison proceedings, we will not remark any additional right now.”Deputy chief Eric Drysdale will step in as appearing chief till the subsequent full council assembly on 29 October.Councillor Drysdale mentioned: “Grant’s resolution has come as a shock to all of his councillor colleagues, however we will all step up our efforts to fill the hole his departure will depart.”Grant has given his all within the function of chief of Perth and Kinross Council for the final three-and-a-half years, pushed by his wholehearted dedication to our group’s core ideas underpinned by a imaginative and prescient of a Perth and Kinross the place everybody can dwell life effectively, free from poverty and inequality.”Laing’s resignation was introduced earlier in a quick replace on the council’s web site.The council declined to remark additional.The SNP has confirmed to the BBC that Laing is now not a member.