Controversial backbencher Craig Kelly has quit the Liberal Party.
The ABC has been told Mr Kelly handed his letter of resignation to Prime Minister Scott Morrison during today's party room meeting.
It is understood he will sit on the crossbench but will continue to provide supply for the government.
Mr Kelly was recently criticised by the Prime Minister for pushing alternative therapies for COVID-19 and for spreading misinformation about vaccines on social media.
The ABC understands Mr Kelly told the party room that he did not want to be a distraction to the government.
The move will mean the government will now have a one-seat majority in the House of Representatives, but will have to provide a Speaker — currently Tony Smith — who oversees the chamber.
That means the government has 75 seats out of 151, sitting on their benches, one less than is needed for an outright majority.
The Speaker has the power to cast a vote if a vote is tied, but Mr Smith has previously said that he would be reluctant to vote in favour of the government in that situation.
More to come.
https://news.google.com/__i/rss/rd/articles/CBMiT2h0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmFiYy5uZXQuYXUvbmV3cy8yMDIxLTAyLTIzL2NyYWlnLWtlbGx5LXF1aXRzLWxpYmVyYWwtcGFydHkvMTMxODI5OTTSASdodHRwczovL2FtcC5hYmMubmV0LmF1L2FydGljbGUvMTMxODI5OTQ?oc=5
2021-02-23 00:36:25Z
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