Embattled Energy Minister Chris Bentley has announced he’s stepping down sooner rather than later.

His last day as an MPP is next Thursday, when the Legislature resumes sitting after being prorogued by outgoing Premier Dalton McGuinty.

Bentley was under opposition attack prior to the house being prorogued, over the cost of cancelling two gas plants in the GTA.

Bentley announced in the fall that he wouldn’t run in the next election but has bumped up the timing of his departure following the lead of Dwight Duncan.