A woman who was targed by a Tory MP after posting about her mental health has called for him to be suspended after the party failed to condemn him.
Tan Smith, 38, was stunned after Brendan Clarke-Smith sarcastically said he was "playing the world's smallest violin" after she praised the Samaritans on Twitter.
It came after she thanked a "kind" volunteer at Glastonbury for helping her when she was struggling with her mental health at the Glastonbury Festival.
But when asked if they would condemn Mr Clarke-Smith's actions today, Tory HQ refused to comment.
Ms Smith - who has clashed with the MP in the past - told The Mirror: "It's no less than I expect from them. If I'd been in a very bad mental state if mind there could have been severe consequences after he tried to come for me.
"I'd have been more surprised if they (the Conservatives) had committed to taking action."
Mr Clarke-Smith himself declined to comment, but did send screenshots of offensive messages and images posted by the blogger and political commentator in the past.
Ms Smith said: "He was coming for me in that moment of vulnerability to try knock me down."
She had posted on Twitter praising a Samaritans volunteer at the Glastonbury Festival who helped her.
But the Tory MP unexpectedly weighed in, writing: "Vile Internet troll in personal issues shock.
"Cares little for the welfare of others however when spouting her foul-mouthed bile on twitter. Excuse me for playing the world’s smallest violin."
When Ms Smith - who has a history of posting expletive-filled attacks on the Tories - responded angrily, he wrote: "Why not try deleting your twitter account? You’ll be a lot less angry and feel a lot better about yourself."
Rishi Sunak's press secretary said today: "This is not something that the PM would support or endorse."
Ms Smith, who goes by the name Supertanskiii on social media, said that failure to sanction Mr Clarke-Smith was at odds with Mr Sunak's pledge to act with integrity and professionalism when he became PM.
She said: "It's just an indication of the weakness of the Prime Minister who doesn't stand up for anything.
"He talks about integrity and accountability - but it's just lip service."
She said: "This is mental health, there's people taking their lives left, right and centre and here he is mocking someone in their moment of vulnerability."
Ms Smith said: "There's no way the Tories would have behaved like this in the past, the Ken Clarkes and Dominic Grieves wouldn't have done this. There's just no self respect there."
And she worried that people wanting to talk about mental health would be less likely to do so if they think they are going to be targeted by politicians.
"Will they come forward now?" Ms Smith asked. "If I worked for a company I'd have been referred to HR, I'd have been suspended because this is misconduct.
"I've seen people suspended for far less than this."
Mr Clarke-Smith's post sparked outrage after the exchange.
Labour's Sir Chris Bryant posted on Twitter: "This really is out of order. Mocking someone talking about mental health support from the Samaritans."
The Samaritans later said it is important not to stigmatise people who reach out for help, but did not reference Mr Clarke-Smith specifically in a statement.
The charity wrote: "The language we use about mental health matters. It’s important not to stigmatise people when they’re reaching out for help.
"It adds barriers for other people who might be hesitant to open up.
"Our incredible Festival team are in their busiest time right now offering emotional support to hundreds of festival goers across the UK, including at Glastonbury. We’re always touched to hear stories about the difference we make.
"Talking openly about mental health should be celebrated. It can take a lot to open up when you’re struggling, and sharing your story can take even more courage."
When contacted by The Mirror, Mr Clarke-Smith said: "I think you should check her Twitter account."
He sent over screenshots of sweary attacks on MPs such as Jonathan Gullis and Jacob Rees-Mogg and offensive images of Ms Smith, which she has previously apologised for.
The Samaritans is available 24/7 if you need to talk. You can contact them for free by calling 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org or head to the website to find your nearest branch. You matter.
