DISGRACED Clydebank councillor Craig Edward is continuing to work in his public role after pleading guilty to hoarding indecent images of children.

It comes after we revealed that Edward could not be forcefully removed from his West Dunbartonshire Council (WDC) role as an independent councillor for the Clydebank Central ward – despite pleading guilty to three sexual offences last week.

It appears that the 34-year-old, who now lives in England, intends to remain in his £20,000 a year job as he showed his support for a local petition last night through his locked X [formerly Twitter] account.

Edward backed calls to save Dalmuir Municipal Golf Course from being downsized/closed and said as ward councillor he is “very concerned”.

The post reads: “Save Dalmuir Golf Course, sign the petition. As the ward councillor, I am very concerned that it will be considered for closure in March.

“It has a great reputation as a municipal course operating for all. It must be saved.”

The post follows Edward's refusal to respond when asked by the Post if he would resign from his role and apologise to the people in Clydebank.

There is no legislation in either the Councillors Code of Conduct – managed by the Standard Commission – or Scottish Government law that invokes an automatic termination of role if a councillor is convicted of this type of offence.

An automatic disqualification can only be imposed if a custodial sentence of no less than three months is passed on to a councillor convicted of a crime.

Ultimately, the hands of WDC bosses are tied if Edward wishes to remain in his role – which it looks like he does.

He is to be sentenced next month after pleading guilty on February 14 to making, having, and distributing nearly 700 images and videos of indecent children including one involving a baby.

His offences span his time as a community councillor, housing association chairman, political campaigner for the SNP and Labour, and an elected councillor.