Alex Rowley stepped down as interim Scottish Labour leader after a former partner accused him of sending her abusive messages and being a “ruthless bully,” local media reported Wednesday.
The alleged victim, who said she was in a relationship with Rowley for three years, told the Scottish Sun in an interview published Tuesday that Rowley was obsessive, a “control freak” and put her through “emotional blackmail and abuse.”
The woman said she was afraid of Rowley and filed a report with police in March 2011, but did not name him in it. She said she lodged a second police complaint, in which she did name Rowley, in November 2014.
Rowley, who also resigned from his role as deputy party leader for the duration of the investigation into the claims, denied the allegations and said he will take all steps necessary to clear his name, according to STV.
Rowley took over as Labour leader after Kezia Dugdale resigned from the role in August.
A new Labour leader will be announced Saturday, after a leadership contest between Anas Sarwar and Richard Leonard.