An SNP MP has dramatically quit the party and joined the Scottish Tories over claims of “toxic and bullying” treatment by colleagues.
Lisa Cameron, who represents East Kilbride, Strathaven and Lesmahagow, claimed she was shunned by fellow nationalist MPs at Westminster for speaking out against sex pest Patrick Grady.
In a bombshell statement today, she said: “I do not feel able to continue in what I have experienced as a toxic and bullying SNP Westminster group, which resulted in my requiring counselling for a period of 12 months in Parliament and caused significant deterioration in my health and wellbeing as assessed by my GP including the need for antidepressants.
“I will never regret my actions in standing up for a victim of abuse at the hands of an SNP MP last year, but I have no faith remaining in a party whose leadership supported the perpetrator’s interests over that of the victims and who have shown little to no interest in acknowledging or addressing the impact.
“It is also true that I have received no contact from party leadership in the past weeks, despite members of every other main political party contacting me to offer support and compassion during what has been an extremely difficult time.
“I am particularly grateful to the Prime Minister in valuing my continued contribution to Parliament as a health professional and in taking time to listen.
“It is the first time I have felt heard and shows positive, inclusive leadership in contrast to that which I have encountered in the SNP at Westminster over many years.”
Her change of party comes on the day she was facing a selection battle to be the candidate in the west of Scotland seat.
The SNP was contacted for comment.
