An MPP removed from the Progressive Conservative caucus after he was criminally charged says he is taking a break from public appearances but won’t resign to trigger a byelection.

In September, Chris Scott was arrested in Toronto following an investigation by police in his local riding of Sault Ste. Marie and charged with assault and assault with a weapon .

The day after the charges were laid, Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s office issued a short statement announcing Scott, who had long worked as a Progressive Conservative staffer, had been removed from caucus.

Scott, who had not responded to a request for comment from Global News after the charges, broke his silence Thursday, saying he would withdraw from public appearances, but not resign.

“I have retained counsel to represent me,” h

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