Labour retains Edinburgh Council leadership

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvg9rwze1qzo

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Councillor Jane Meagher has been appointed as new leader of the authority

Labour has retained control of City of Edinburgh Council under a minority administration propped up by Conservatives and Liberal Democrats.

Jane Meagher has been appointed as the council's new leader.

Former leader Cammy Day resigned over claims he sent sexually explicit messages to Ukrainian refugees.

SNP and Green councillors had launched an attempt to take over running the council but their bid was voted down by 32 votes to 28.

Labour only has 10 of the 63 councillors that make up the city's administration.

Councillor Meagher, who represents the Portobello and Craigmillar ward, appeared by video link from a family holiday in Tanzania.

She said she was "willing to take the type of decisions that will help the people of Edinburgh".

Councillor Day did not appear in person at the meeting, but joined by video link with his camera off.

He spoke only to cast his vote.

Councillor Day stepped down after the Sunday Mail reported he had "bombarded" Ukrainian refugees with messages, including asking sexually explicit questions.

It later emerged he was under investigation by Police Scotland over an allegation of inappropriate behaviour.