THE leader of Inverclyde Council has stepped down from his role after appearing in court earlier today.

Councillor Stephen McCabe pleaded not guilty to charges of assault and threatening and abusive behaviour at Greenock Sheriff Court.

A spokesperson for Inverclyde Council 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 Natasha McGuire, will continue to deputise, following existing governance arrangements, until a new leader is appointed.

READ MORE: Councillor Stephen McCabe appears in court charged with assault

"Leadership of the council is determined by the council’s elected members. The next meeting of Inverclyde Council will take place on Thursday, December 5, 2024."

Councillor McCabe remains in his position as a representative for the Inverclyde East ward.

He is due to return to court for trial on February 10, with an intermediate diet also being fixed for January 14.