There have been calls for him to stand aside ever since he was first arrested, with the SNP group on the council saying he needed to “consider his position and resign ahead of a future meeting of the council.”
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In a statement, Inverclyde Council said Cllr McCabe’s Labour colleague, Natasha McGuire, will deputise until a new leader is appointed early next month.
A spokesperson said: “We can confirm today that Councillor McCabe has indicated that he has decided to step back from his role as Leader of Inverclyde Council.
“Deputy Leader Councillor McGuire will continue to deputise, following existing governance arrangements until a new Leader is appointed.
“Leadership of the Council is determined by the Council’s elected members. The next meeting of Inverclyde Council will take place on Thursday 5 December 2024.”
During his court appearance on Friday, Cllr McCabe denied an allegation of repeatedly shouting and acting in an aggressive manner towards a woman in Victoria Gardens, Kilmacolm on October 27 this year.
Cllr McCabe, of Victoria Gardens, also pleaded not guilty to an allegation that he assaulted the same complainer by repeatedly pushing her and seizing her by the body on the same date.
He was released on bail with a special condition not to approach or contact the complainer, or to enter a specified address elsewhere in Inverclyde.
The case was continued to a trial diet set for February 10, 2025.
An intermediate diet hearing was also scheduled for January 14.
