Former Canberra Liberals leader Leanne Castley has quit the party effective immediately, saying she’s had enough of being part of an organisation with a ‘toxic culture.

“In the last 18 months I have experienced bullying, intimidation, lies, and even a threat of physical assault,” Ms Castley says.

Ms Castley informed the Canberra Liberals leader of her decision before making the announcement.

“Last week saw the introduction of coercive control legislation, something that I had worked on for years. That’s what the community wants to see from its politicians and that’s what I want to spend my time on.”

The Member for Yerrabi will join the crossbench and sit as an independent for the remainder of the parliamentary term.