A pair of B.C. United legislators have announced they are running as Independents in next month's provincial election after the collapse of the Official Opposition's campaign last week.

Both Mike Bernier and Tom Shypitka suggested in separate announcements Wednesday that Independent MLAs could influence the balance of power in the province after a tight election.

They were among B.C. United MLAs who entered uncertain waters last week when Leader Kevin Falcon shut down his party's campaign and thr…