ST. JOHN’S, N.L. – Newfoundland and Labrador’s New Democratic caucus has lost two members after a week of very public infighting over leadership.

Dale Kirby, who represents St. John’s North, has announced he’s quitting the party and will sit as an Independent in the provincial house of assembly.

Moments later, Christopher Mitchelmore tweeted he was leaving to become an Independent member as well, including a link on his Twitter feed that elaborates on his decision.

Kirby and Mitchelmore both pushed for a leadership convention next year to help renew the party and attract new members ahead of the 2015 provincial election.

That would have required NDP Leader Lorraine Michael to step aside.

Michael said after weekend caucus meetings that she will instead ask for a review vote at next year’s party convention to affirm her leadership.

She said she would not resign for now and that she hoped to work with all four of her caucus teammates, including Kirby.

The Progressive Conservatives hold 35 of 48 seats in the house of assembly, while the Opposition Liberals have seven seats and the NDP will have three members.

There is one vacancy.