Scottish Lib Dem leader Willie Rennie has been described as ”unworthy” of his job by a key figure in an influential charities organisation.
Alison Elliot, convener of the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO), launched a blistering tirade against the Mid Scotland and Fife MSP.
Mr Rennie had demanded the resignation of the organisation’s chief executive, Martin Sime, following claims he was ”colluding” with First Minister Alex Salmond in an attempt to get a second question on further devolution in the independence ballot planned for 2014.
Ms Elliot dismissed the allegation on Wednesday in a strongly-worded letter which attacked the Lib Dem leader.
”I consider your allegations preposterous, your interpretation of the incidents fanciful and your attempt to interfere in the business of an independent organisation unworthy of a public leader,” it read.
The row started earlier this week when it emerged one of Mr Salmond’s policy advisers had emailed Mr Sime about a second question on the referendum.
Mr Rennie has further claimed the SCVO is being used as a ”front organisation” for the Scottish Government for the campaign.
He also alleges the organisation had attempted to sabotage the launch of the Better Together campaign to keep Scotland in the UK.
Ms Elliot’s response said: ”SCVO is not a front for anyone, nor will it be told by outsiders what it will or will not debate, or how it should conduct its business.
”Special advisers from all the main political parties, including your own, have been in dialogue with SCVO in recent months that is their job.
”We are quite clear about the grounds on which we base our arguments. They are formed by the work and concerns of our members, not by any party political stance.
Mr Rennie said the letter showed he had ”clearly touched a raw nerve”.
”These are serious concerns about the impartiality of the chief executive of SCVO and clearly deserve a better response,” he added.
”I think people will be concerned that SCVO has taken one side of a highly polarised, political debate. SCVO are in serious danger of undermining their reputation.”