Stewart leaves Liberal caucus

A prominent Okanagan MLA has stepped down from the B.C. Liberals caucus.

Ben Stewart, the MLA for Kelowna-West, made the decision Thursday after unidentified concerns were raised which Elections B.C. is said to be looking into.

The Vancouver Sun reports Elections B.C. is looking into whether some political contributions made to the B.C. Liberals complied with the Election Act.

Stewart will serve as an independent, and is expected to return to the Liberal caucus if the situation is resolved.

Stewart made his return to B.C. politics last year after winning a by-election to fill Christy Clark’s seat, a riding he also served from 2009 to 2013.