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Former UUP MLA Jenny Palmer subjected to online threats

Mrs Palmer was elected as a UUP MLA for Lagan Valley in May, however she lost her seat in last week's snap election. Picture by Mal McCann
Mrs Palmer was elected as a UUP MLA for Lagan Valley in May, however she lost her seat in last week's snap election. Picture by Mal McCann Mrs Palmer was elected as a UUP MLA for Lagan Valley in May, however she lost her seat in last week's snap election. Picture by Mal McCann

FORMER Ulster Unionist MLA Jenny Palmer has said she felt "vulnerable" after coming under attack on social media.

On Monday night, a series of comments were sent to her through Facebook accusing her of splitting the unionist vote in Lagan Valley.

The former DUP councillor defected to the UUP along with her husband in 2015 following accusations of bullying from a party Spad.

A user posting under the name Paul Hood referred to Ms Palmer as a "Lundy" and told her to leave the Culcavy area of Hillsborough, Co Down, where she lives.

Posting on Twitter, Ms Palmer said she was left "feeling vulnerable" and referenced reporting the incident to the PSNI.

"Feeling vulnerable tonight! Sad some threaten democracy in ignorance," she wrote.

"Thanks to PSNI for their support. Family 1st."

The former MLA was inundated with messages of support on her Facebook page and Twitter account following the threatening messages.

Mrs Palmer was elected as a UUP MLA for Lagan Valley in May alongside her colleague Robbie Butler, however she lost her seat in last week's snap election, which saw several UUP incumbents ejected from the assembly.

In July 2013, Mrs Palmer said that she had been ordered by a DUP special adviser, Stephen Brimstone, to change the way she intended to vote at a Housing Executive board meeting called to terminate a contract with the maintenance firm, Red Sky.

Mr Brimstone left the party last year, officially to pursue a career in the private sector. He would later be named as one of several DUP Spads connected to the RHI scandal.