Share on Twitter Controversial backbencher Craig Kelly has quit the Liberal Party to join the crossbench as an independent. Mr Kelly, the Member for Hughes, told the Coalition party room on Tuesday morning he would resign but continue to support the government on matters of supply and confidence. His defection leaves the government with a slim majority in the House of Representatives, with just 76 of 151 seats. In his resignation letter to Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Mr Kelly acknowledged that some of his "recent conduct" had "made it difficult" for the Government. "However, at all times, I have acted upon my consciousness and my beliefs - not political expediency," he said.