A war of words has broken out after a Gateshead councillor quit the Liberal Democrats after claiming he was told to "grow the f*** up'", in a spat over his address.
Kevin McClurey, who represents Dunston Hill and Whickham East, announced his resignation on Tuesday, saying he would continue to represent his ward as an independent councillor.
In a statement on his Facebook page, Coun McClurey wrote that the party had included his home address on a leaflet distributed during last year's general election.
"During the 2019 general election campaign a leaflet was produced and delivered which included my home address as a correspondence address. I was not informed or consulted about this," he wrote.
"When I complained initially I was told there was 'no need to worry' and that other people had approved this. Naturally I was unhappy at this response - my address details should never be shared without my consent.
"When I complained formally to the local party I was informed that delivery of the offending leaflet had been suspended. However, this message was incorrect - as one of the ward councillors was unaware of this and was continuing to deliver the leaflet.
"When I asked the local party chair for clarification about this I was advised she was 'sick of this' and she suggested I 'grow the f*** up'.”
Coun McClurey also claimed that neither the party's head office or the Gateshead branch took any action to resolve the issues he raised and it has caused him "stress and anxiety".
He added: "My sole focus will be on representing the residents of Dunston Hill and Whickham East and looking after my family.
"There are some excellent Lib Dem candidates in the local elections this year, and I wish them good luck and hope to work with them on the council. I’m just sorry I’ll be unable to help them with their campaigns."
But local Lib Dems have hit back and in a statement issued on behalf of the Gateshead branch, the party said that Coun McClurey had been facing complaints about his conduct.
Coun Jonathan Wallace also said that following a 90-minute phone call, Coun McClurey agreed to his address being included on the leaflet.
The Lib Dem leader also said he had raised concerns with Coun McClurey about his conduct in the same call.
The statement said: "Coun Kevin McClurey was facing complaints from other members of the Liberal Democrat group about his conduct and behaviour.
"A formal complaint is in the process of being drawn up and is due to be submitted to both the council group and party HQ. Coun McClurey has decided to jump rather than be pushed.
"Regarding his complaint about his address being used in a leaflet without his knowledge, Coun McClurey had already given his permission for his address to be used in the campaign in question.
"On the leaflet to which he refers, the use of his address was also agreed by the election agent John McClurey, his own father, which was the correct procedure during an election period.
"After a long discussion with Coun Wallace, Coun McClurey agreed to withdraw his opposition to the leaflet being circulated. All his concerns were addressed at the time. Three months later he has decided to raise them again.
"The Liberal Democrats will not accept any form of bullying behaviour within our ranks which is why allegations of this nature need to be fully investigated."
Coun McClurey said that he was not aware of any complaint being made against him.
He added: "I have no idea what it could be. It is not in my nature to run away from something.
"I'm opinionated and I have got high standards, but would've hoped someone would have spoken to me.
"I'm disappointed in the Lib Dem group, I thought of them as colleagues and friends."
A Liberal Democrat Spokesperson said: "All complaints received are dealt through the Party’s independent complaints process. We do not comment on ongoing cases.”
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