A Brisbane councillor who was dumped as an LNP candidate and referred to the state's corruption watchdog has lashed out at party executives, announcing her intention to run as an independent in the upcoming council election.

Key points: Kate Richards wrote an open letter slamming LNP practices after she was referred to the corruption watchdog

Kate Richards wrote an open letter slamming LNP practices after she was referred to the corruption watchdog The ABC understands she was referred over allegations of seeking donations from a property developer, something she denies

The ABC understands she was referred over allegations of seeking donations from a property developer, something she denies Cr Richards took aim at the LNP's "intimidating and disrespectful" vetting processes and announced she would run as an independent

Pullenvale councillor Kate Richards, who was referred to the Crime and Corruption Commission (CCC) by LNP leaders in December, has written an open letter to residents slamming party practices, saying she was "treated appallingly".

In it, she claims to have been referred to the CCC without proper consultation.

"I was unfairly removed as the LNP candidate by faceless backroom political powerbrokers," she said in the letter.

"I am furious and will not take it quietly like they assumed, like others have.

"I was referred to the Crime Corruption Commission on trumped-up charges that I can assure you have no substance."

The ABC understands Cr Richards was referred over allegations of seeking donations from a property developer, something she vehemently denies and plans to fight with "a robust legal team".

She also used her letter to take aim at the party's vetting practices, which she said involved delving into candidates' sex lives.

"Not only are the internal processes more akin to a star chamber, they are downright intimidating and disrespectful," she said.

"As an example during the vetting of potential candidates, women have been asked extremely explicit questions about their sexual history.

"This must cease."

'We are better off without her', says LNP president

In a statement to ABC News, party president David Hutchinson said Cr Richards's decision to run as an independent meant her immediate expulsion from the party altogether.

"By enrolling to contest the council election against the LNP's nominated candidate, Kate Richards is automatically expelled from the party," he said.

LNP president David Hutchinson says the party makes no apologies for its tough vetting procedures. ( Supplied: LNP )

"In my 20 years' involvement with the LNP and its predecessor parties, I have never seen a person less fit to be a candidate for our party than Kate Richards.

"It is up to the CCC to determine whether or not criminal behaviour has occurred. We will leave that to them.

"We are better off without her, and the voters of Pullenvale would be better off without her too."

Mr Hutchinson also denied claims Ms Richards was kept in the dark over her referral to the CCC, saying "she was given the full details of the claims against her".

He did not elaborate on the vetting processes of candidates but stood by the party's policies.

"We have the toughest candidate vetting procedures in Australia, and we make no apology for that," he said.

In January, LNP candidate Greg Adermann was chosen as Ms Richards's replacement at preselection.