Councillor accused of peeing in car park after voting to close public toilets

Independent Midlothian councillor Peter de Vink is said to have been spotted by cleaners. The alleged incident followed a meeting at the council’s headquarters in Dalkeith last Tuesday.

It is believed Cllr de Vink, whose support keeps the SNP in power in Midlothian, had voted at the meeting in favour of closing public toilets.

Staff said they had seen him let his dogs out of his car for a pee – then joined them. It is understood they reported Cllr de Vink to council chief executive Kenneth Lawrie.

Political opponents said if he was guilty of such “appalling” behaviour, he should resign.

But Cllr de Vink said he had a medical condition which meant he had to go immediately. “Taking advantage of my failing in this incident demeans the role of opposition,” he said.