Perth & Kinross Council Leader Grant Laing Resigns Amid Embezzlement Charges
Grant Laing has resigned as Leader of the SNP Group at Perth & Kinross Council, effective immediately. The announcement follows news that Mr. Laing has been charged with embezzlement, alleged to have occurred over a period of years. Eric Drysdale, Deputy Leader, will assume the position of Acting Group Leader and Interim Leader of the Council until a permanent successor is appointed.
Laing's Resignation and Embezzlement Charge
Councillor Laing, who has led the council for three and a half years, stepped down on Monday, September 22, 2025. Police Scotland confirmed that a 63-year-old man from Perth has been charged in connection with embezzlement, alleged to have taken place between 2017 and 2025. Mr. Laing has also ended his membership with the SNP and will now sit as an independent councillor.
According to a Police Scotland spokesperson: "A 63-year-old man has been charged with embezzlement alleged to have taken place over a number of years between 2017 and 2025 in the Perth area." The man is expected to appear in court at a later date, and inquiries remain ongoing.
Reactions and Next Steps
Eric Drysdale expressed that colleagues were "taken aback" by the news. "Grant’s decision has come as a shock to all of his councillor colleagues, but we shall all step up our efforts to fill the gap his departure will leave," he stated. He also acknowledged the seriousness of the situation and emphasized the need for stability and continuity for the council, its staff, and the communities they serve.
Murdo Fraser, Scottish Conservative MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, characterized the resignation as evidence of "chaos" within the SNP administration. He criticized the council's performance, citing issues such as public toilet closures and council tax hikes. The SNP has branded the charges a "huge shock" and stated that they cannot comment further due to live criminal proceedings.
Council Leadership Transition
Councillor Drysdale's priority as Acting Leader is to ensure stability and continuity for the Council. The SNP Group has yet to confirm when a permanent replacement for Mr. Laing will be appointed. The next meeting of the full council, scheduled for October 29, 2025, is expected to address the leadership transition and related committee appointments.
In the meantime, Drysdale has stated: "I acknowledge the resignation of Grant Laing as Leader of Perth and Kinross Council following today’s developments. These are very serious matters and it is right that due process takes its course."
