Lunenburg West MLA Becky Druhan has announced that she is leaving the Nova Scotia Progressive Conservative Party and will represent her riding as an Independent MLA.

“Over time, it has become clear that there are some differences of principle between my views and those of leadership,” Druhan said Monday in a news release.

“While I continue to hold deep respect for my government colleagues, I believe I can best fulfill my responsibilities to Lunenburg West and the province as an Independent MLA,” she said.

Druhan had been a member of cabinet since Premier Tim Houston and the Progressive Conservatives came to power in 2021, when she was first elected. She most recently served as justice minister and attorney general but lost those roles in a surprise cabinet shuffle last week.

Two sources said she was offered a portfolio switch but turned it down.

Druhan said in the release that she is proud of everything she accomplished on behalf of Nova Scotians as justice minister and attorney general, and previously as minister of education and early childhood development.

She said being an Independent MLA will allow her to “place renewed focus” on her constituency and ensure “local priorities and perspectives are fully reflected” in her work.

“My commitment has always been to serve with integrity and diligence,” she said. “My purpose remains the same: to work hard every day for the people of this community — to listen, to advocate, and to help deliver the results that make a real difference in people’s lives, leaving Nova Scotia stronger for the next generation.”

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