What is really going on in politics? Get our daily email briefing straight to your inbox Sign up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

A council chief who helped axe every public toilet in his town has been fined by police - for urinating in the street.

Labour councillor Jackie Burns, 51, was caught short just months after overseeing the closure of public loos in his area.

He was waiting in a taxi rank when he suddenly needed the toilet and went down a lane - where police saw him and gave him a £40 on the spot fine.

Mr. Burns had his wee problem in Hamilton in Scotland where he is a Labour councillor and deputy leader of South Lanarkshire council.

He said: "I am embarrassed by the incident and have apologised."

He added: "I was in a taxi rank at the Bottom Cross in Hamilton and needed the toilet. I went down a lane to relieve myself and was approached by police, who gave me a £40 fine which I have duly paid. I am embarrassed by the incident and have apologised."

In May he announced that all the council's public conveniences were closing as part of £22 million cutbacks by the Scottish Government.

(Image: Rex)

John Wilson, an MSP for Central Scotland, said: "I am disappointed by this behaviour. He should consider his position as deputy leader."

Police said: "A 51-year-old man was issued with a fixed penalty ticket in relation to a minor act of anti-social behaviour within Hamilton town centre on Saturday 7 November."

The council has refused to comment.