Andrew Polson, ex Tory, accused of £188,000 romance scam, stays on council anti fraud panel. He denies charges. Trial is in September.
Another politician, Ross Greer, suggested Polson step aside. Greer believes this hurts public trust and thinks Polson should quit the committee for now because of the financial offense charges.
Polson was a Conservative, but the party suspended him in 2022. The court documents detailed the accusations and allege Polson lied to start AA Lettings, a business that would manage properties.
Polson allegedly opened a bank account and promised joint ownership of a property. He asked the woman for £40,500. She paid, but didn’t gain ownership. He told the woman rent would be shared, providing her with half of £500 monthly, but this allegedly did not happen. She supposedly paid extra for property costs but received no benefit.
Additionally, he allegedly took £146,000 for another property in Bearsden and kept all the rent money. The accusations are worsened by the relationship, involving his former or current partner.
Polson pleaded not guilty in court, with his lawyer saying more evidence is needed. The trial is set for September.
Polson missed the last committee meeting but remains a member currently. The committee oversees council finances and works on preventing fraud, though committee member roles change soon.
Polson said his roles will be reviewed at the council meeting. He continues his duties for now and cannot comment more on the issue. The trial is scheduled for 15 days, starting this September, with hearings occurring in April and June also.