Councillor on child abuse charges resigns.

Michael Jamieson quits roles on council and with major city music festival

A Perth councillor accused of having child abuse images has resigned.

Michael Jamieson, who was suspended by Conservative Party leaders when the allegations came to light, handed in his notice to council chiefs yesterday morning.

The 69-year-old, who became a councillor for the Perth City South ward in May, appeared from custody at Perth Sheriff Court, accused of having obscene images stored on his home computer.

The former music teacher tendered his resignation after being ordered to quit by leader of the Tory-led administration, Ian Campbell.

Jamieson’s details have now been removed from the local authority’s website, while his Facebook page has also been taken down.

A by-election will be called for the four-member ward in the coming weeks.

Mr Campbell said: “I can confirm that I and the chief executive of Perth and Kinross Council have today received the written resignation from Mr Michael Jamieson that I requested on Friday.

“Mr Jamieson is no longer a Perth and Kinross councillor or member of the Conservative group on Perth and Kinross Council.

“There will be a by-election within the statutory time limit in Perth City South ward.”

Jamieson has also resigned as secretary of the Perform in Perth festival, a competition which attracts around 4,000 young musicians each year. He was suspended by the group when the allegations emerged at the weekend.

Jamieson made no plea when he appeared before Sheriff Michael Wood. He was released on bail with an interim internet ban.

The charge relates to allegations between November 2015 and March 2016, although the number of alleged images has not been disclosed.

Jamieson, who recently stood down as president of Perth Rotary Club, was elected at this summer’s local government election with 1,757 votes.

His resignation leaves the local authority with a total of 16 Tory councillors. The party leads a joint administration with four Liberal Democrats and three independents.

There are 15 SNP councillors and one from Labour.

At this year’s election, Jamieson pledged to bring more businesses into the city.

A follow-up court date has still to be scheduled.