New Perth and Kinross council leader elected after former chief’s embezzlement charge

Perth and Kinross Council has elected a new leader after the man who previously held the role was charged with embezzlement and resigned.

Grant Laing stepped down on Monday and left the SNP after being accused of the crime over a period of years between 2017 and 2025 in the Perth area.

He still sits as an independent councillor.

Councillor Eric Drysdale, previously deputy leader, takes on the new role after what he described as “deeply concerning” recent events for constituents.

His election is effective immediately.

He has served as an SNP councillor for Perth city centre since 2017 and deputy leader of the council since 2022.

Councillor Drysdale said: “Trust in local government is precious, and I fully understand the damage that has been done.

“It is therefore a great honour to have been elected leader of Perth and Kinross Council, and I take on this responsibility with humility and determination.”

Councillor Laing’s resignation was originally announced in a brief update on the council’s website and put down to “personal reasons”.

It later emerged that he had been charged with embezzlement.

The council said the matter is “not connected to Perth and Kinross Council funds, operations or activities”.

An SNP source said the news had come as a “huge shock” to the party.

Councillor Drysdale, who is also club secretary for Dundee FC, said there had been “real progress” made in the region since the last Scottish council elections, but that this was a moment to “take stock and refocus”.

He said: “My priority now is to restore confidence, ensure the council is working effectively, and get on with tackling the real issues that matter to local residents; from delivering quality public services to supporting our communities and helping our local economy thrive.

“I look forward to working with colleagues across the council to deliver for the people of Perth and Kinross. That’s what matters, and that’s what I will be judged on.”