The Progress Singapore Party (PSP) confirms that its vice-chairman, Michelle Lee Juen, has resigned from the party as its vice chairman.

The 43-year-old was one of the founding members of PSP.

On Lee's departure, the PSP's statement cited reasons for wanting to spend more time with her family.

The statement also denied rumours of Lee being asked to leave and the disagreements on the appointments of the new central executive committee members.

It added that Lee continues to maintain "a cordial relationship" with party members including its secretary-general Tan Cheng Bock.

Last seen publicly at Institute of Policy Studies’ (IPS) conference in Jan

Lee was a participant at the Institute of Policy Studies’ (IPS) Singapore Perspectives conference on Jan. 21.

She thanked the panellist Zuraidah Ibrahim, Deputy Executive Editor of the South China Morning Post, who earlier said that Tan would be a “potential game changer” in the next general election.

Lee also asked about Hong Kong, Singapore, and the “national psyches” between the two.

Lee was a former Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) member and had contested the 2011 general election in Holland-Bukit Timah GRC.

Here's PSP's statement in full:

The Progress Singapore Party would like to formally announce Ms Michelle Lee’s resignation from the party as Vice Chairman citing reasons for wanting to spend more time with her family. Michelle was one of the founding members of PSP and played an important role in establishing the party during its humble beginnings. We understand that there have been rumours going around on Michelle’s departure, in particular, that she was asked to leave and there were disagreements on the appointment of the new CEC members. The PSP and Michelle would like to clarify that these rumours are false and that all official information regarding the Party will be through the Party's official online channels. Michelle continues to maintain a cordial relationship with party members including Dr Tan Cheng Bock, and is always welcome to attend any party related events. The PSP is grateful for Michelle’s contributions and wish her and her family all the best for the future. Progress Singapore Party Central Executive Committee & Ms Michelle Lee

Top photo by Rachel Ng