Council boss steps down over two domestically-aggravated charges

by · Mail Online

The leader of Inverclyde Council has stepped down from his role after appearing in court charged with two domestically-aggravated offences against a woman.

Labour councillor Stephen McCabe is set to stand trial next year accused of shouting at the woman, acting aggressively and repeatedly pushing her.

The 60-year-old appeared at Greenock Sheriff Court yesterday (FRI) where he pleaded not guilty to charges of assault and threatening or abusive behaviour, which are both said to be domestically aggravated.

A trial date was fixed for February.

Yesterday Inverclyde Council confirmed that McCabe has decided to ‘step back from his role’. He had already been administratively suspended by the Labour party.

McCabe has denied an allegation that he repeatedly shouted and acted in an aggressive manner towards a woman in Kilmacolm, Renfrewshire, on October 27.

He has also denied assaulting the same woman on the same day by repeatedly pushing her and seizing her by the body.

Labour councillor Stephen McCabe is set to stand trial next year accused of shouting at the woman, acting aggressively and repeatedly pushing her
Stephen McCabe appeared at Greenock Sheriff Court yesterday (FRI) where he pleaded not guilty to charges of assault and threatening or abusive behaviour

McCabe, of Kilmacolm, was given bail on condition that he does not approach or contact the complainer, or enter a specified address elsewhere in Inverclyde.

In a statement, Inverclyde Council said: ‘We can confirm 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.’

McCabe represents the Inverclyde East ward which covers Port Glasgow, Kilmacolm and Quarrier’s Village.

It is understood that he was administratively suspended from Labour pending the outcome of any investigation.

A Labour Party spokesperson said: ‘The Labour Party takes all complaints seriously.

‘They are fully investigated in line with our rules and procedures, and any appropriate action is taken.’