FOG BLOG N.B. NEWS LOG: PEOPLE'S ALLIANCE DEREGISTERS, KRIS AUSTIN STEPS DOWN, MLAs GO TO TORIES!

People's Alliance MLAs cross the floor to join Tory government...Move by leader Kris Austin, Michelle Conroy puts end to People's Alliance Party........The People's Alliance of New Brunswick is no more.

The party's two MLAs in the legislature have joined the governing Progressive Conservative caucus, spelling the end of the upstart, populist movement created 12 years ago.

Alliance Leader Kris Austin and Miramichi MLA Michelle Conroy made the announcement with Premier Blaine Higgs at the legislature Wednesday afternoon.

Austin said he spoke to supporters and members of the Alliance's board in recent days about his decision and the party organization will be "de-registered" and cease to exist.

The second-term MLA said he engaged in "soul-searching" after the party lost an elected member in the 2020 election and he decided he could more effectively represent his riding of Fredericton-Grand Lake from within the government.

Conroy said she was jumping for the same reason.

"We're doing it for the people in our ridings," she said.

"The best way that we can continue to serve people in our ridings … is to join government and have a seat at the table."