The Federal Government will continue to function as normal despite the resignation of backbencher Craig Kelly, Prime Minister Scott Morrison says.
The Liberal MP from Sydney's south told Coalition MPs that he would leave the party and sit on the crossbench as an independent.
However, he would guarantee supply and confidence to the Morrison government.
The MP has been an outspoken and sometimes troublesome member of the Liberal Party, espousing views that contradict the government's views on coronavirus treatment, including the vaccine.
READ MORE: Craig Kelly's views 'not scientifically based', says Chief Medical Officer
Mr Morrison referenced a discussion he had with Mr Kelly a few weeks ago in a press conference today.
"I set out some very clear standards and he made some commitments that I expected to be followed through on," he said.
"He no longer felt that he could meet those commitments, but I can tell you, my standards don't change."
Mr Morrison said he found out about Mr Kelly's resignation from the Liberal Party at the same time as everyone else in the party room.
The prime minister was not concerned Mr Kelly might defect to the National Party.
"That's really a matter for others," he said.
Mr Kelly will make a statement to the House of Representatives soon.
His departure from the party leaves the Morrison government with just a one-seat majority.
But Mr Kelly's guarantee of supply and confidence will keep the Coalition in power even if they lose another member.
Days ago a poll was released showing his electorate did not approve of Mr Kelly's views on coronavirus and climate change.
The uComms poll showed just 24 percent of voters thought his support of unproven coronavirus treatments were responsible.
Thirty-one percent thought his Facebook posts on climate change were responsible.
Mr Kelly has long argued the global climate is getting cooler, not hotter.
Mr Kelly represents the seat of Hughes, which takes in Sydney suburbs like Sutherland, Menai, Sylvania and Heathcote.
READ MORE: Craig Kelly slammed for appearing on Pete Evans' podcast
Earlier this month he had a heated confrontation with Labor frontbencher Tanya Plibersek.
The two politicians were surrounded by cameras and microphones as they faced off, moments before Mr Kelly was scheduled for an interview on Today.
During the confrontation, Ms Plibersek accused Mr Kelly of "spreading these crazy conspiracy theories".
"My mum lives in your electorate, and I don't want her exposed to people who are not going to be vaccinated because of your crazy conspiracy theories," she said.
Soon afterwards, Mr Morrison has reportedly told Mr Kelly to stop pushing views contrary to accepted medical advice, and that his comments were having a negative impact on the government's vaccine strategy.
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