The Greens Party candidate in Orange for the last state election and byelection, Janelle Baylis, has quit the party to join Jeremy Buckingham's breakaway Independent group.
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Ms Baylis will be number five or six on Mr Buckingham's upper house ticket which he said would have 16-17 candidates.
She said she had quit the Greens after being a member for seven years saying the party was seen as "city-centric" and believed Mr Buckingham offered more focus on regional issues.
"He is very compassionate and dedicated in looking at regional NSW, in tackling climate change, in supporting communities, that's the reason why I'm supporting Jeremy in this state election," she said.
"It was difficult decision to walk away from a party I once was very proud of, to be part of, I also encouraged other people to be members of as well," she said
I am not seeing myself as being elected I am seeing myself as supporting a very good independent candidate.
- Janelle Baylis, election candidate
"I do have hope for the Greens they will be able to unite and support people's point of views."
She said there were no local issues that influenced her decision.
Ms Baylis said she accepted it was highly unlikely should would be elected.
"I am not seeing myself as being elected I am seeing myself as supporting a very good independent candidate," she said.
Mr Buckingham, a former Orange City councillor, said Ms Baylis would be part of a "progressive independent team" who had the "opportunity to change the government" and hold whoever won to account.
READ MORE: MP Jeremy Buckingham quits NSW Greens
"The National party have been absolutely abysmal when it comes to acknowledging climate change and dealing with the impacts it has on water management in this state," he said.
Mr Buckingham also renewed his call for a road tunnel under the Blue Mountains.
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