Perth and Kinross Council is currently navigating a significant leadership transition following the unexpected departure of its former convener, Grant Laing. Mr. Laing tendered his resignation earlier this week, citing ‘personal reasons’ for his decision. This announcement was swiftly followed by revelations that he is facing charges of embezzlement.
In response to the unfolding situation, the council promptly issued a clarifying statement to reassure the public and its staff. The official communication confirmed that the allegations against Mr. Laing are entirely unrelated to the financial dealings, operational activities, or funds of Perth and Kinross Council, emphasizing that the integrity of local governance remains uncompromised.
Beyond stepping down from his role as council leader, Mr. Laing has also severed his ties with the Scottish National Party (SNP), the largest political group within the council. He will, however, continue to represent the Strathtay ward as an independent councillor, fulfilling his electoral duties to his constituents. The Immediate Future: Electing a Successor
The SNP, despite Mr. Laing’s departure, maintains its position as the dominant force in the council chamber with 16 remaining members. The party is now tasked with the crucial responsibility of identifying and nominating a new individual to assume the demanding role of council leader. Insiders suggest that the SNP group is expected to convene in the coming days to deliberate on potential candidates, with a view to announcing Mr. Laing’s successor as early as the end of this week.
The process, however, does not conclude with the SNP’s internal selection. Any candidate put forward for the leadership position must receive formal endorsement from the full council. This pivotal decision is anticipated to be brought before all councillors at their next scheduled meeting on October 29. Until then, Councillor Eric Drysdale, who previously served as deputy leader, has stepped forward to assume the responsibilities of acting convener.
Councillor Drysdale has publicly affirmed his primary objectives during this interim period: to ensure a seamless and stable continuation of council operations, uphold the welfare of council staff, and maintain uninterrupted service delivery to the diverse communities throughout Perth and Kinross. His steady hand at the helm aims to provide much-needed assurance during this period of political adjustment. The Weight of Leadership: Responsibilities and Remuneration
The role of Perth and Kinross Council leader is a substantial one, serving as the principal political spokesperson and guiding the strategic direction of the local authority. It is a position that commands a significant salary, currently set at £50,063 annually, reflecting the considerable responsibilities and public accountability it entails.
The process of selecting a new leader will undoubtedly involve careful consideration of experience, vision, and the ability to unite a diverse political landscape. With 16 SNP councillors, 12 Scottish Conservatives, six Independents, five Liberal Democrats, and one Labour representative, the council’s political makeup requires a leader capable of fostering collaboration and effective governance. The Charges and Public Context
Regarding the circumstances surrounding Mr. Laing’s resignation, Police Scotland issued a formal statement confirming that ‘a 63-year-old man has been charged with embezzlement which occurred over a period of years between 2017 and 2025 in the Perth area.’ The statement further noted that ‘a report will be sent to the Procurator Fiscal.’ This legal development prompted Mr. Laing to step down from his leadership role and party affiliation. Sources within the SNP indicated that the resignation came as a considerable ‘surprise,’ with the party leadership being informed only on the morning of Monday’s announcement. The council has been clear to distance the personal allegations from the public funds and operations of Perth and Kinross Council, ensuring residents that their local government functions independently and with integrity.
As Perth and Kinross looks ahead, the focus remains firmly on the transparent and efficient process of selecting a new convener who will steer the council through its upcoming challenges and opportunities, maintaining stability and public trust in local democratic institutions.
In response to the unfolding situation, the council promptly issued a clarifying statement to reassure the public and its staff. The official communication confirmed that the allegations against Mr. Laing are entirely unrelated to the financial dealings, operational activities, or funds of Perth and Kinross Council, emphasizing that the integrity of local governance remains uncompromised.
Beyond stepping down from his role as council leader, Mr. Laing has also severed his ties with the Scottish National Party (SNP), the largest political group within the council. He will, however, continue to represent the Strathtay ward as an independent councillor, fulfilling his electoral duties to his constituents. The Immediate Future: Electing a Successor
The SNP, despite Mr. Laing’s departure, maintains its position as the dominant force in the council chamber with 16 remaining members. The party is now tasked with the crucial responsibility of identifying and nominating a new individual to assume the demanding role of council leader. Insiders suggest that the SNP group is expected to convene in the coming days to deliberate on potential candidates, with a view to announcing Mr. Laing’s successor as early as the end of this week.
The process, however, does not conclude with the SNP’s internal selection. Any candidate put forward for the leadership position must receive formal endorsement from the full council. This pivotal decision is anticipated to be brought before all councillors at their next scheduled meeting on October 29. Until then, Councillor Eric Drysdale, who previously served as deputy leader, has stepped forward to assume the responsibilities of acting convener.
Councillor Drysdale has publicly affirmed his primary objectives during this interim period: to ensure a seamless and stable continuation of council operations, uphold the welfare of council staff, and maintain uninterrupted service delivery to the diverse communities throughout Perth and Kinross. His steady hand at the helm aims to provide much-needed assurance during this period of political adjustment. The Weight of Leadership: Responsibilities and Remuneration
The role of Perth and Kinross Council leader is a substantial one, serving as the principal political spokesperson and guiding the strategic direction of the local authority. It is a position that commands a significant salary, currently set at £50,063 annually, reflecting the considerable responsibilities and public accountability it entails.
The process of selecting a new leader will undoubtedly involve careful consideration of experience, vision, and the ability to unite a diverse political landscape. With 16 SNP councillors, 12 Scottish Conservatives, six Independents, five Liberal Democrats, and one Labour representative, the council’s political makeup requires a leader capable of fostering collaboration and effective governance. The Charges and Public Context
Regarding the circumstances surrounding Mr. Laing’s resignation, Police Scotland issued a formal statement confirming that ‘a 63-year-old man has been charged with embezzlement which occurred over a period of years between 2017 and 2025 in the Perth area.’ The statement further noted that ‘a report will be sent to the Procurator Fiscal.’ This legal development prompted Mr. Laing to step down from his leadership role and party affiliation. Sources within the SNP indicated that the resignation came as a considerable ‘surprise,’ with the party leadership being informed only on the morning of Monday’s announcement. The council has been clear to distance the personal allegations from the public funds and operations of Perth and Kinross Council, ensuring residents that their local government functions independently and with integrity.
As Perth and Kinross looks ahead, the focus remains firmly on the transparent and efficient process of selecting a new convener who will steer the council through its upcoming challenges and opportunities, maintaining stability and public trust in local democratic institutions.