MLA Pat Pimm leaving B.C. Liberal caucus over unspecified allegations

Pat Pimm, the B.C. Liberal MLA for Peace River North, is leaving his party's caucus over unspecified allegations.

"I want to inform my constituents that allegations have been brought against me which require me to obtain legal counsel," he said in a statement.

"While this matter is being resolved, I have stepped away from the Government Caucus and my role as Deputy Chair of the Committee of the Whole of the Legislature."

The B.C. Liberal Party announced his departure in a statement earlier this afternoon.

Pimm, who announced last year he would not be seeking re-election in the 2017 provincial election, says he will continue to serve in the legislature as an independent MLA.

He was first elected in 2009 and appointed agriculture ministerin 2013, before leaving cabinet last year to seek treatment for colon cancer.

He was arrested in connection with a domestic incident involvinghis wife in 2011 and returned to the Liberal caucus after a specialprosecutor decided no charges would be laid.

- With files from The Canadian Press