Citing leadership issues, Liberal member for Ginninderra Peter Cain has suddenly resigned from the Canberra Liberals’ shadow cabinet, “effective immediately”.

In a statement, Cain said:”This decision follows ongoing concerns regarding the direction of the current leadership team and the processes through which key decisions have been made.

“Over recent months, it has become increasingly clear that I can no longer support the leadership team as a member of the shadow cabinet.”

First elected to the Legislative Assembly in 2020, Cain held the shadow ministries of attorney-general, planning and housing services.

Liberal leader Leanne Castley put on a brave face, saying: “Peter has been a valuable member of my shadow cabinet since I was elected as opposition leader.

“Peter hadn’t raised any concerns that he had of leadership to me or my office in the last six months so his decision comes somewhat as a surprise.

“Today’s events do not distract me or my team from holding to account a tired, stale Labor government that has let down the Canberra community.”

Cain was aligned with former leader Elizabeth Lee, who was dumped by the parliamentary party after the Liberals failed to make any inroads to government at the last election.

She has kept a low profile on the backbench since the October loss and will now be joined by Cain, who said: “I believe I can best serve the Canberra community and the people of Ginninderra from the backbench.”