CALLS have been made for a disgraced Clydebank councillor to resign after he pleaded guilty to making, having, and distributing indecent images of children.

On February 14, Councillor Craig Edward admitted to three sexual offences at Dumbarton Sheriff Court.

The 34-year-old still holds his position as an independent councillor for Clydebank Central, despite being on the sex offenders register.

This is due to there being no legislation in either the Councillors Code of Conduct – managed by the Standards Commission – or Scottish Government law that invokes an automatic termination of role if convicted of this type of offence.

An automatic disqualification can only be imposed if a custodial sentence of no less than three months is passed on to a councillor convicted of a crime.

Now, Michelle McGinty depute leader of West Dunbartonshire Council (WDC) has put forward a motion to the council meeting which is set to take place on March 27 stating she believes “Edward is not fit to remain in his role”.

The motion reads: “This council calls on Councillor Craig Edward to resign from his position as an elected member of West Dunbartonshire Council with immediate effect.

“Edward has demeaned the public office to which he was elected and abused the trust placed in him by local residents.

“Prior to being elected in 2022 Edward was a community activist and served on a variety of committees like housing associations, tenants associations, and a mental health charity.

“Edward was also an active member in two political parties over recent years. It has become clear that Edward has duped our whole community in getting them to place their trust in him.

“Council agrees that Edward is not fit to remain in his role as an elected member and in the event that he fails to do the right thing and resign, this council calls on the chief executive to take all the necessary action required to remove him from office.”

It is understood that “all necessary action” will include reviewing the Councillors Code of Conduct.

In February, we reported that Cllr Edward was continuing to work in his role including calling for support for a campaign that was launched to save Dalmuir Municipal Golf Course.

Commenting on her motion, Councillor McGinty said: “Unfortunately, the law means that Edward is allowed to carry on in his role while the legal process is ongoing.

“He has not done the decent thing and stepped down from his position and has continued to attend council meetings online and contact officers and members of the public. 

“This period of uncertainty has been a really tough time for a lot of our staff who despite their personal feelings have had to provide direct support to Mr Edward.

“Now that he has pled guilty to the sexual offences, I am able to express my view that he is not fit to continue in his role as a councillor.

“It is for the sheriff to decide his sentence and to comment on his offending behaviour so my motion focuses on the breach of trust placed in him as an elected member.

“He has committed a number of sexual offences, he has admitted his guilt, but he has the audacity to continue with his councillor role when he is clearly not a fit and proper person to be in such a position of trust.

“Edward has betrayed the trust of individuals, community groups, and his constituents.

"He has had plenty of time to do the only decent thing and step down from his role but he has continued to show his contempt for the people of West Dunbartonshire by holding on to his position despite his guilty plea. 

“It’s time that we drew a line under this and either he resigns immediately or the council takes action to remove him.

“Our staff, and our residents, have had enough of him, he’s got to go, and he’s got to go now. I know all other councillors feel the same way and are in total agreement with this so I fully expect to get cross-party support at the council meeting on March 27.”

Councillor Clare Steel added: "I think we have all been blindsided by this, from someone who befriended many of us.

“He portrayed himself to be a pillar of his community, who wanted to make things better for our residents, and someone who was going to be a friend to all. 

“Instead, he was committing the worst and most heinous crimes imaginable, preying on children. 

“I feel betrayed, conned and disgusted, sick to my stomach.  I am angry that people like him can commit these vile crimes and still be protected by a system that is so wrong and out of touch with reality. 

“Not only should criminals like him be sent to prison, no ifs no buts, but the system needs to be changed so that these people can't and shouldn't be able to continue to represent and have such access to our communities.” 

Cllr Edward will be sentenced this month.