An army veteran has resigned as a Labour councillor alleging that party members had accused him of ‘faking’ his post traumatic stress disorder.

Neil Blower was elected to represent Swinton South ward, in Salford , but will now continue as in independent councillor.

He says he has quit Labour due to ‘systematic harassment and bullying’ by the ‘powers that be’.

Coun Blower, who did tours of duty in Kosovo and Iraq, told the M.E.N.: “I have not taken this decision lightly. It is not for political reasons, and I will not be campaigning against Labour at elections.

“Both my father and grandfather were strong Labour supporters, but the way I have been treated is disgraceful.

"One in three people will experience some kind of mental illness, and in Salford there are high levels of mental illness. It is shocking to learn that certain people think I am faking it.”

In his resignation letter he says: “I feel I have no other choice due to the systematic harassment and bullying I’ve been subjected to over the course of many months due to my mental health issues.

"I suffer from post traumatic stress disorder due to my military service which also causes severe clinical depression and social anxiety, for which I am undergoing treatment in the hope that I will get better and be able to live a normal life.

“I've been told by third parties that certain Labour councillors have said some truly vile things about me - 'scum', 'a disease' and that 'he shouldn't be in the party' and that I'm 'faking my illness'.

"This combined with sideways glances, being ignored and colleagues leaving the room when I enter have had a detrimental effect on my wellbeing and I will no longer stand for it.

“I’ve never raised these issues before because I feel the nature and entrenched attitudes of many members of the Labour group would mean nothing would be done and the situation made worse, nor do I expect any action will taken in the future by the Party, leaving me no other choice than to resign and be an independent ward councillor.

Coun John Walsh, chief whip of Salford's Labour group, said: "Salford Labour Group would like to thank Neil Blower for his services as a Labour councillor and wish him well with his future endeavours.

"We are very sorry that he is struggling with his illness, however we do not recognise Neil’s description of life in the Labour Group.

"We very much regret Neil’s accusations and that it is only now that he has raised the matter.

"The Labour Party in Salford is an inclusive and welcoming organisation and this is reflected in both our culture and rules.

"We take all accusations of this nature very seriously and review them as appropriate.

"Coun Blower has not carried out his responsibilities as a councillor for some time. We have attempted to offer support to enable his return to active duty, but he has rejected this offer and chosen to resign. A decision which we very much regret."

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