JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.– State Rep. Keith English – an embattled member of the Democratic caucus after voting with Republicans during last year’s tax cut fight – said Tuesday he will be leaving the party, and will serve instead as an independent.

“This is no longer the Democrat Party of Bill Clinton or John F Kennedy. I’m leaving the party because I love my state. It shouldn’t matter whether I’m conservative or liberal,” English said. “What is most important is that we raise the level of debate in this country through informed discussions that lead to policies that benefit all Missourians.”

English, a Jefferson County Democrat, beat two Democrats and a Republican during the 2012 election. English said he still opposes “right to work,” but has joined with Republicans on issues like abortion and gun rights.

House Minority Leader Jacob Hummel, D-St. Louis, said English was shunned from the party because of trust issues from other caucus members.

“This distrust isn’t the result of Representative English’s habit of sometimes voting with the other political party. As a caucus, we recognize and respect our differences of opinion and encourage members to vote their consciences and their districts,” Hummel said. “Rather, the distrust in Representative English stems from the fact that he hasn’t always been honest about his intentions to side with Republicans on issues of importance to House Democrats.”

Following English’s decision to leave the caucus, Democrats now have only 44 seats in the 163 member chamber.