BREAKING: Rosalyn Bird quits BC Conservative caucus, will sit as Independent

Prince George-Valemount MLA Rosalyn Bird has announced her departure from the BC Conservative caucus.

She will sit as an Independent.

"This decision was not made lightly," Bird wrote in a statement. "Political parties play an important role in our democracy, but they are vehicles for our values; they cannot become substitutes for them."

She expressed the belief that "British Columbians are tired of political infighting, name-calling and division," and that, "they expect their elected representatives to disagree respectfully, work collaboratively where possible, and remain focused on the challenges facing families, communities and our province."

"Transparency, accountability, integrity and responsible government will continue to guide my work," Bird continued. "So will my belief in free speech, respectful debate and our responsibility as elected representatives to reject hatred and discrimination while remaining willing to have difficult conversations about the issues facing British Columbia."

She added that as an Independent MLA, she will "work with anyone who brings forward good ideas."

Bird is the third MLA to leave the party in 11 days, joining Peter Milobar and Ian Paton.

More to come...