A Liberal MP is defending his decision to vote against his own government in Parliament this week.

Ken McDonald voted with the Opposition Conservatives who were seeking to have heating fuel excluded from the new carbon tax coming down in the spring.

He admits, voting against his party is tough, but he had to vote with what he thought was best for his constituents.

He recalled a speech Des Sullivan, of Uncle Gnarley fame, wrote for him when he announced that he was running for mayor of Conception Bay South.

One line in particular stuck out “As a politician, we should never forget it is the people we serve.” McDonald says he felt that if he voted against the motion, he would be letting down the people who sent him to Ottawa.