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By Keith Leslie, The Canadian Press

TORONTO - Federal New Democrats were stunned Tuesday when one of their most well-liked and respected caucus members announced he's quitting to join Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne's Liberal team.

Sudbury MP Glen Thibeault's surprise defection capped what's been a dispiriting couple of years for Tom Mulcair's New Democrats, whose claim to be the government-in-waiting has been usurped by Justin Trudeau's revived Liberal party.

In a statement announcing his intention to run for the provincial Liberals in a soon-to-be-called byelection, Thibeault stressed his belief that he can do more for his constituents as a member of the province's governing party.

He didn't mention the NDP but the implication seemed clear: Thibeault doesn't believe the New Democrats are likely to form the government after next year's federal election.

"It has been an honour and a privilege to serve my community for the past six years at the federal level but my time at the federal level has come to an end," Thibeault said.

"I am excited by the opportunity to continue that representation in a new, exciting way. I believe I can make an even greater difference for the constituents of Sudbury as a member of this Ontario Liberal government."

Late on Tuesday, Thibeault told the CBC's Power and Politics that it was no secret among those who know him that he hasn't "been seeing eye to eye on a lot of the things that have been happening at the federal level and with the NDP."

Thibeault said he told Mulcair on Sunday that he was considering some options, but didn't get a chance to tell him of his decision to jump to the Ontario Liberals before the news became public Tuesday morning, at which point he sent Mulcair an email informing him of his move.

Until recently, Thibeault was chair of the NDP caucus, an elected position that reflected his popularity among his fellow New Democrat MPs. He stepped down two weeks ago, citing the need to spend more time with his young children.

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New Democrats angry MP joins Ontario Liberals