The Northern Territory Country Liberal (CLP) government is staring down the prospect of losing power after Speaker Kezia Purick announced her resignation from the party.

Speaking to reporters on Monday, Ms Purick listed her concerns around planning and development policies as being behind her decision.

She called on the government to “pull up their socks” and communicate more meaningfully with regional communities.

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However, Ms Purick said she would not support a vote of no confidence in the government.

“I will not vote to bring the government down,” she said.

The Speaker has been an outspoken critic of the government, which seized power in 2012 with just 16 seats in the 25 seat legislative assembly.

She has led vocal attacks on the government over development around Darwin and in her electorate of Goyder.

Her exit could leave the government and Chief Minister Adam Giles scrambling to make deals with the five independents in parliament.

– with APP