The Fife councillor at the centre of an SNP bullying row says she is scared to walk the streets after quitting the party.
Marie Penman claimedshe had to step down because party chiefs did not act after hearing her complaints over “aggressive bullying” in the party’s Kirkcaldy branch.
Her resignation on Monday prompted another Fife councillor, Bill Brown, to reveal on Tuesday that a “Glenrothes Mafia” was behind his decision to cut ties with the SNP.
Ms Penman, who remains an independent member for Kirkcaldy, was the victim of an alleged campaign to oust her from the position of local chairman in 2014, according to reports.
“I’m scared to walk around the High Street now. I saw what happened before, all the shouting, abuse and threats. I shudder to think what’s going to happen this time,” she said.
“Right now I feel sick. I’m not going to get away with this in Kirkcaldy.”
Ms Penman said she was the victim of a “vindictive and nasty” campaign orchestrated by an MSP.
David Torrance, who represents Kirkcaldy, has been identified as the MSP at the centre of the allegations.
He has previously strongly denied wrongdoing,but has declined to comment further.
Referring to Mr Brown’s claims of a “Glenrothes Mafia”, a senior Fife SNP member said: “It is to be regretted that Bill couldn’t work with his colleagues.
“That his departure came immediately after he was not approved as a parliamentary candidate has left many who worked and voted for him very disappointed in his actions.
“It’s not too late for him to honour the commitment he made in 2012 to resign his seat, and let the people of Glenrothes West and Kinglassie decide who has their support.”