Highland Council passes no-confidence vote over taxi licensing controversy

Highland Council members have passed a motion of no confidence against five councillors following a controversial decision regarding taxi operator licences held by David Brown. The motion was carried by 56 votes to six, with five abstentions.

The controversy originated from a Licensing Committee meeting in June, where six male councillors outvoted four female colleagues to allow the renewal of operator licences held in the name of Brown. Brown was sentenced to nearly seven years in prison in May after being convicted of raping an 18-year-old passenger in 2023. The committee reportedly ignored advice from Police Scotland during the decision-making process.

Council convener Bill Lobban described the incident as a ‘fundamental betrayal of public trust’ and a ‘profound lapse in moral judgement’ that disregarded public safety. The fallout has led to political repercussions, including the suspension of one councillor by the SNP and the resignation of several committee members. While Brown eventually surrendered the licences on August 3, the council has requested that the Scottish Government review regulations concerning eligibility criteria for convicted criminals.