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EDMONTON — Another member of Alberta’s new United Conservative Party has quit caucus to sit as an Independent.

Rick Fraser, the legislature member for Calgary South East, said in a statement Thursday that the current fractious party leadership race makes it clear Alberta will continue down the road of divisive, polarized politics.

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“Since Premier (Alison) Redford stepped away, multiple leadership races, cabinet changes and an election, there has been an overwhelming focus on politics in Alberta and not on the people of Alberta,” wrote Fraser.

Redford stepped down as premier in March 2014 and was followed by interim Progressive Conservative leader and premier Dave Hancock. Former federal cabinet minister Jim Prentice took over when he won the party leadership in 2014, but led the Tories to defeat in the 2015 election.

They were led by another interim leader, Ric McIver, until former federal cabinet minister Jason Kenney won the leadership and spearheaded a merger with the Wildrose party in July.