Grant Laing has resigned as leader of Perth and Kinross Council, citing personal reasons in a move that has surprised political colleagues. The councillor, who was first elected to represent the Strathtay ward in 2012, has also left the Scottish National Party and will now sit as an independent. Laing had been named council leader following the 2022 Scottish council elections.

Deputy leader Eric Drysdale will serve as acting leader until the next full council meeting on October 29. Drysdale described Laing's decision as coming "as a shock to all of his councillor colleagues" but pledged that the council would "step up our efforts to fill the gap his departure will leave." The resignation was announced through a brief update on the council's official website.

Colleagues acknowledged Laing's three-and-a-half-year tenure, noting his "wholehearted commitment to our group's core principles underpinned by a vision of a Perth and Kinross where everyone can live life well, free from poverty and inequality." The council has declined to provide further details about the personal reasons behind Laing's sudden departure from both the leadership role and the SNP.

The SNP has confirmed to media outlets that Laing is no longer a party member. The resignation comes as a political blow to First Minister John Swinney, who represents the Perthshire North constituency in Holyrood. Scottish Conservative MSP Murdo Fraser described the situation as "yet more chaos" in Swinney's backyard from what he characterized as a "failing administration."

A man in his 50s remains in life-threatening condition after sustaining a serious head injury during an altercation with door staff outside licensed premises in Lurgan, County Armagh. The incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday morning around 12:55am in the William Street area of the town, according to police statements from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI).

Detective Inspector Handley confirmed that the man had been attempting to re-enter the licensed premises when he became aggressive toward two members of the door staff. Police reports indicate that the door staff pushed the man backward, causing him to fall and strike his head on the ground, resulting in the serious head injury that now threatens his life.

The door staff provided immediate medical treatment to the injured man before he was transported to hospital, where he remains in critical condition. Police have not released additional details about the man's identity or current medical status, focusing instead on their ongoing investigation into the exact circumstances surrounding the incident.

PSNI detectives are continuing their enquiries and have appealed for witnesses or anyone with information, CCTV footage, or mobile phone recordings of the incident to come forward. The police reference number for the investigation is 75 of 19/10/25, and information can be provided through multiple channels including the PSNI website or anonymously via Crimestoppers.