A former territory opposition leader has quit the Liberal Party, citing threats of violence towards them and a toxic culture for leaving the organisation.
Canberra Liberal Leanne Castley announced she would leave the party and sit in ACT parliament as an independent on the crossbench.
"I have simply had enough of being part of an organisation with such a toxic culture," she said in statement.
"In the last 18 months, I have experienced bullying, intimidation, lies, and even a threat of physical assault.
"I can no longer be part of an organisation which tolerates this conduct."
Ms Castley became ACT opposition leader after the party's 2024 election loss.
However, she stepped down from leading the party in November after her decision to suspend two Liberals from the party room - Peter Cain and her predecessor in the role Elizabeth Lee - created turmoil.
Ms Castley later told ABC Radio the bullying towards her had taken place from when she became opposition leader.
"It's not one person, it's not one issue, it's been an 18-month campaign," she said.,
"At some point I had to put a line in the sand and say, ok, I'm walking away."
Liberal leader Mark Parton denied the party had a toxic culture but said the organisation had treated bullying concerns.
"I don't condone bullying, intimidation or inappropriate behaviour of any kind," he told ABC Radio.
