Member of Parliament for Christ Church South Ralph Thorne has split from the ruling Barbados Labour Party and is to become opposition leader.

Prime Minister Mia Mottley has confirmed the development to Starcom Network News.

The Prime Minister told Starcom via telephone: “I received correspondence from her excellency [the President] late this afternoon that indicated that Mr. Thorne had indicated that he would now sit in opposition to the government and that she would, therefore, act accordingly.

When asked about her thoughts on this development Miss Mottley added: “Well these things happen, it is what is, it may be a case of easy come, easy go but whatever happens, we will see and we will move forward. Mr. Thorne must know; he has not communicated with me, nor has he communicated with the General Secretary of the Party, but I wish him all the best

We were unable to contact Mr. Thorne for a comment.