Lib Dem candidate stands down over prostitute charges

Gordon Leslie has stood down as the Liberal Democrat candidate for Aberdeen Donside

The Lib Dem parliamentary candidate for Aberdeen Donside has stood down after being charged with offences related to prostitution, BBC Scotland can reveal.

Councillor Gordon Leslie stood down as the candidate for the redrawn Aberdeen North constituency with immediate effect on Tuesday, the party confirmed.

Grampian Police said a 64-year-old man had been reported to the procurator fiscal.

He is due to appear at the city's sheriff court next month.

Mr Leslie declined to comment when approached by BBC Scotland.

There are five alleged contraventions of the Prostitution (Public Places Scotland) Act 2007.

Mr Leslie is the convener of the city council's children's services committee and the vice convener of the social care and wellbeing committee.

Council leader John Stewart said Mr Leslie has been asked to stand down from his committee roles.

The Lib Dem group on the council is expected to meet next week to decide on possible suspension.

The party will begin the process of selecting a new candidate for Aberdeen Donside in May's Holyrood election as soon as possible.