4 down , 2 to GO !!

Four of the six disgraced Highland councillors have finally resigned from the Licensing Committee. Let us be absolutely clear, that is not accountability. It is the absolute minimum after one of the most shocking failures of judgement this council has ever witnessed.

Chris Brit and Ruaridh Stewart have still refused to resign from the Licensing Committee. They must do so immediately.

But every one of the six councillors involved must now resign from Highland Council itself.

Ignoring clear advice from Police Scotland and voting to allow a convicted rapist to retain a taxi licence was an unforgivable betrayal of the public trust. Their actions undermined confidence in the council, failed victims of sexual violence, and sent an appalling message to women and girls across the Highlands.

Resigning from a committee does not erase responsibility. It does not restore public confidence. It does not provide accountability.

Each of the six councillors should resign from Highland Council in disgrace and issue a full, public and unequivocal apology to the victims, their families, and every resident across the Highlands whose trust they have shattered.

Public office is a privilege, not an entitlement. When elected representatives make decisions that place public confidence and public safety at such grave risk, they forfeit the right to continue representing the people they have so badly let down.