'I'm too progressive': Port Macquarie-Hastings councillor Nik Lipovac leaves Liberal Party

Lipovac ran under his own ticket without party endorsement last year.

Port Macquarie-Hastings councillor Nik Lipovac has announced that he won't renew his NSW Liberal Party membership.

In a statement, Lipovac said he's "too progressive and my views don't necessarily align with just one political party".

"I'm open minded enough to see the positives in some of the policies and actions from other parties and individuals. I'm not afraid to speak up and openly support others when it's the right thing to do, and likewise I'll call bullshit when I see it and keep others accountable for their actions. I will not be labelled or told to stay in my lane."

Lipovac thanked members of the party who supported his council election campaign last year, including now-former state MP Leslie Williams. He added that he "[couldn't] hide my disappointment by the lack of communication and assistance from some members of the Local Branch in the past which was also a major factor in my decision".

Lipovac contested last year's local government elections with his own ticket, dubbed "Team Lipovac", as the Liberals didn't endorse any PMHC candidates. He had 40% of the two-candidate-preferred vote in the mayoral race, losing to Adam Roberts. In the councillor contest, he was the only member of his group elected.

Labor, the Greens and the Libertarians did endorse candidates for PMHC last year.