Fraud case MP parts company with her lawyer

AN MP charged with alleged fraud offences has parted company with the highprofile lawyer who was initially advising her.

Natalie McGarry is no longer being represented by solicitor Aamer Anwar.

The SNP MP said: “After much consideration I took the decision last year to change representation. There will be absolutely no further comment from myself or my office.”

Ms McGarry was elected in Glasgow East at the 2015 General Election.

However, within months, a complaint was lodged with police over claims of financial irregularities at the Women for Independence group, for which Ms McGarry campaigned during the referendum.

She withdrew from the SNP whip and was charged last year in connection with alleged fraud.

Mr Anwar said at the time: “I can confirm that Natalie McGarry MP attended voluntarily with myself as her solicitor at Govan Police Station.

“Following an interview, she was charged this afternoon with several alleged offences including embezzlement of funds, breach of trust and an offence under the Scottish Independence Referendum Act 2013.

“She was released and will now be the subject of a report to the Procurator Fiscal.”

Ms McGarry was a prominent pro-independence campaigner in the referendum before unseating Labour’s Margaret Curran at the General Election.

It is understood the charges relate to WFI and Ms McGarry’s involvement with the SNP Glasgow Regional Association.

Mr Anwar comment. declined to