Embattled MP Barry Urban has quit the WA Labor party amid a scandal over the legitimacy of his CV, but says he still wants to represent the Darling Range community as an independent.
Mr Urban was caught wearing an Australian Police Overseas Service Medal he claimed he'd been awarded but in fact purchased online, leading to questions about his background, including his university education and armed service record.
In a statement on Wednesday, Mr Urban said he had resigned his Labor Party membership, and had advised of his intention to quit as a member of the public accounts committee and joint standing committee of audit.
Mr Urban, who has not attended parliament since the controversy emerged last week, will make a full statement in parliament on Thursday.
"I look forward to continuing to represent the members of the Darling Range community in parliament," he said.
Mr Urban was elected in March, defeating former Liberal local government minister Tony Simpson.
Premier Mark McGowan told parliament he wished Mr Urban well as an independent MP.
"No doubt this was a difficult decision ... and it's been a very distressing time for him indeed to cope with all the humiliation," he said.
"I think he has done the right thing for himself, for the party and his family."
Asked if he had urged Mr Urban to resign, the premier said he had not spoken to him since last week.
Opposition Leader Mike Nahan said he wanted the procedure and privileges committee to examine the case.
But Mr McGowan accused Dr Nahan of "trying to dance on his political grave as a member of the Labor party".
Despite Mr Urban's resignation, Labor still holds 40 out of 59 seats in the lower house.
Australian readers seeking support and information about depression can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.
