THE leader of Edinburgh City Council is set to become the first local authority chief in the country to take adoption leave.

Adam McVey and his partner are to adopt twin boys later this month.

The council leader will take six weeks “to start the hardest and most rewarding job” he’ll ever have.

No decision has been taken on who will temporarily take over from him, but proposals will be debated at the next meeting of the full council on Thursday, August 22.

The 32-year-old SNP councillor for Leith said: “I’m very excited that my family is expanding later this month as we become dads for the first time to two amazing boys.

“I’ll soon be taking adoption leave to start the hardest and most rewarding job I’ll ever have.”

McVey added: “I’m acutely aware of my duty to the people of Edinburgh and I look forward to returning to the City Chambers to continue delivering the change our future generations demand of us.

“In the meantime, I’ll be asking the council to approve cover arrangements while I’m on six weeks of adoption leave to cover my responsibilities.

“I’m confident our council can demonstrate that we can be a modern, normal workplace.

“I’d like to thank my colleagues, family and friends for their support as we enter this exciting new chapter of our lives.”

Depute council leader and Labour group leader Councillor Cammy Day welcomed the news.

He said: “I’m really pleased for Adam and his partner – it’s fantastic news.

“Local government in general should catch up and look at what Edinburgh is doing in being more progressive and leading the way for people to be able to do this more easily.

Tory councillor Nick Cook tweeted: “So pleased for you both. Six precious and important weeks where you’ll get a bit fatter and a bit greyer. All so worth it.”

SNP depute leader Keith Brown offered his congratulations to his party colleague too, tweeting: “Fantastic Adam! All the best to your new family.”