The MP who left the SNP to affix the Tories has likened her former social gathering to a “cult”.
Lisa Cameron introduced this week she would cross the ground, claiming there was a “poisonous” tradition throughout the SNP group at Westminster.
In an interview with the Scottish Each day Mail, Dr Cameron stated she regretted not leaving prior to Thursday, when she was simply hours away from listening to the result of a variety contest in her East Kilbride, Strathaven and Lesmahagow seat in opposition to SNP staffer Grant Costello.
Dr Cameron stated her relationship with SNP colleagues resulted in a 12 months of counselling periods and the necessity for antidepressants.
She has additionally claimed she needed to go away her house because of threats following the defection.
Nevertheless, the brand new Tory MP stated the choice – which was welcomed by Prime Minster Rishi Sunak – was not one she has “taken frivolously”.
However certainly one of her former SNP colleagues, Glasgow South MP Stewart McDonaldtold the Scotsman’s podcast The Steamie Dr Cameron had been on “defection-watch” since earlier than the pandemic.
Dr Cameron instructed the paper: “It’s virtually like, with the SNP, you form of get indoctrinated a bit, I really feel in an unhealthy method, and your id will get merged with the doctrine. It’s like, ‘Right here’s what you concentrate on issues’.
“There’s not a lot, from my expertise, particular person alternative and decision-making or contribution. It virtually turns into like a discovered helplessness in a method, and it took a very long time for me to rebuild my confidence to even talk about issues.
“It does really feel fairly cult-like within the sense that, as a way to have continued approval you must assume and act and converse and behave in a method that’s anticipated continuously, and by no means to criticise.”
She additionally claimed there was a “cult of character” throughout the SNP – which meets for Humza Yousaf’s first convention as chief on Sunday – that has left folks feeling “unable to query” the management, and being pressured to go away.
Dr Cameron has stated she was ostracised by the Westminster group after talking up for the younger staffer harassed by MP Patrick Grady, when the group’s management requested colleagues to point out Mr Grady assist.
Mr Grady has since failed SNP vetting to run for his Glasgow North seat on the subsequent election.
Dr Cameron blamed her tough relationships with SNP colleagues for a 12 months of counselling periods she underwent and the necessity for antidepressants.
Nevertheless, SNP president Mike Russell stated on Friday the defection was an “odd tantrum”, from somebody who was “going to lose their nomination”.
Mr Yousaf, talking to the PA information company on Thursday, stated it was the “least shocking information” he had heard since turning into First Minister and he questioned Dr Cameron’s dedication to Scottish independence.
Requested about his feedback, the MP stated whereas she believes in Scottish independence, she now not trusts the SNP to run a Scottish Authorities exterior the UK.
A spokeswoman for the SNP stated: “Lisa Cameron has betrayed, not solely the native SNP members that helped get her elected as an SNP MP, however the folks of East Kilbride, Strathaven and Lesmahagow who rejected the Tories.
“She should now now do the correct factor and step down to permit a by-election.
“Her constituents should have the democratic alternative to elect a tough working SNP MP who will put the pursuits of Scotland first. On a private foundation, we want her properly.”