Keith Russell announces split from PC party; will sit as an Independent

Keith Russell announces split from PC party; will sit as an Independent

MHA for Lake Melville made announcement at start of Churchill Falls MOU special sitting

Progressive Conservative MHA Keith Russell announced Monday he is crossing the floor and will sit as an Independent member rather than with government.

"I make this decision with some sadness but with a clear conscience," said Russell, who represents the Labrador district of Lake Melville.

Russell made the surprise announcement at the start of a four-day special sitting of the House of Assembly to discuss the Churchill Falls deal between Newfoundland and Labrador and Quebec.

Negotiating lead for Churchill Falls deal says he didn't speak to Independent Review Committee

Reading from a prepared speech, Russell said his first responsibility was to the people in his district.

“There are moments in public life where we must listen to our conscience and put the people we represent first," he said.

He promised to continue to be a strong voice in the House of Assembly, "while continuing to uphold the conservative values that always have guided my public service.”

Russell didn't take questions from reporters at the House of Assembly. As the session took a midday break, and Russell left Confederation Building, he told CBC he wasn't taking questions.

"I've got to let my family know."

During the recess, workers could be seen physically lifting a desk to another section of the House floor. Russell could be seen shaking hands with Liberal MHA and Opposition House Leader Lisa Dempster.

Premier had no idea political move was coming

Premier Tony Wakeham, who called Russell's departure from the party "disappointing" for those who elected him, said he did not know about it beforehand.

"There was no discussion with Mr. Russell prior to the announcement. He was in our caucus this morning, and he's decided he wants to sit as an Independent and that's his choice," Wakeham said, speaking with reporters just outside the House of Assembly at about 11:30 a.m.

Standing next to Wakeham shortly after, also taking questions just outside the House, Progressive Conservative MHA for Torngat Mountains Lela Evans suggested Russell's decision was tied to his not being appointed to cabinet.

"We’re disappointed. He has been close with many caucus members. He did indicate he was disgruntled. He did indicate that he was not pleased that he wasn't a minister. He has told it to many of us. We can attest to that. So I think it's less to do with Churchill Falls, the new agreement, and the actual fact that he’s not a new minister," Evans said.

Fellow Labrador MHA Lela Evans gives her take on the real reason Keith Russell left the PCs

The House of Assembly went into recess immediately following the announcement, one made just after terms for the special sitting were read in.

NDP Leader Jim Dinn was the first politician to speak to reporters after a recess was called following Russell's decision.

"I can honestly say I didn’t see that one coming," he said.

Download our free CBC News app to sign up for push alerts for CBC Newfoundland and Labrador. Sign up for our daily headlines newsletter here . Click here to visit our landing page .