Lib Dem Holyrood hopeful quits over prostitution charges

His departure came less than 24 hours after he was named as the Lib Dems' choice to contest the seat in the Holyrood elections, following a meeting of the party's Aberdeen North branch.

Councillor Leslie stood down as it was revealed he is due to appear at Aberdeen Sheriff Court next Thursday in connection with a series of sex charges. He is facing five charges under the Prostitution (Public Places) Scotland) Act.

The 64-year-old bachelor has also stepped down from a number of committee roles on the city council, including his position as vice-convener of the social care and wellbeing committee and convener of the children's services sub committee.

Mr Leslie said yesterday: "I didn't think it would come to this. All I got was a piece of paper from the police telling me to appear for a hearing.

"I don't want to make any further comment on what may happen. Let's leave it at that."

He added: "I am single - I've always been single. I don't want to make any other comments."

Mr Leslie was due to stand against sitting SNP MSP Brian Adam and Barney Crockett, the leader of the city council's Labour group, in the new constituency of Aberdeen Donside, the redrawn Aberdeen North seat at Holyrood.

A spokeswoman for the Liberal Democrats in Scotland confirmed that Mr Leslie stood down with immediate effect yesterday morning. She added: "He was nominated as the candidate on Monday."

She declined to make any further comment but confirmed that Mr Leslie remained a member of the party.

News of his court appearance sent shockwaves through Aberdeen's Town House yesterday where the diminutive councillor is a popular figure.

But Councillor Willie Young, the secretary of the Labour Group, said that, in the event of a conviction, his position as a councillor would become untenable.