Copenhagen - A founder of the New Alliance party, which was formed in 2007, said Monday he was to leave the party and become an independent in parliament.

Syrian-born Naser Khader said he had used the holiday break to consider his political future and decided he would leave the centrist party that, last August, was renamed the Liberal Alliance.

Khader said his "gut feeling was not sufficient" to remain in the party, adding "you also need to have your heart in it," according to a statement published on his website.