A SENIOR Birmingham politician has been ordered to pay "at least £60,000" in legal costs following a failed attempt to silence a constituent who accused him of domestic violence and bigamy.
Councillor Waseem Zaffar has also been accused of misusing public funds by Asaf Khan, 47, a distant relative who is a full-time carer for his mother.
Zaffar began legal action for harassment nearly two years ago, but the case has been withdrawn with Zaffar agreeing to pay Khan's outstanding legal costs.
“The case has taken over my life and impacted on me, my family and my friends and anyone connected with me. It has been the most difficult period of my life,” Zaffar told BirminghamLive.
Denying any wrongdoing, Zaffar said he ended the case for financial reasons.
Zaffar added: “Whenever anyone has looked into these issues I have cooperated fully and will continue to do so. None have led to any wrong-doing proven on my part.
“I fully believe in scrutiny and accountability of elected officials and those in public life but believe this overstepped the mark substantially.”
Khan, meanwhile, said he raised the issues in a series of tweets because he wanted to hold the councillor to account for his "hipocracy and untrustworthiness."
“In speaking out I am simply exercising my democratic right to warn people of a politician who is not fit to serve," he said.
A Birmingham City Council spokesperson said: “The council is aware that Cllr Waseem Zaffar had issued legal proceedings, in his personal capacity, in relation to alleged harassment and has now decided to bring these to a conclusion.
“Allegations made against Cllr Zaffar, referred to in the same proceedings, have previously been reviewed by the council’s solicitor. There are no concerns about Cllr Zaffar in relation to them.”
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