Former Prime Minister Likely To Face Challenge For Leadership Of PNP

KINGSTON, Jamaica, June 28, (CMC) – Former prime minister, Portia Simpson Miller, could face a challenge to her leadership of the main opposition People’s National Party (PNP) as the party announced that nominations for candidates for the positions of president and vice president will open next month.

In a brief statement, the PNP, which lost the general election under Simpson Miller in February, said that “nominations will open for the positions of president and vice presidents on Wednesday, July 13, 2016 at 10:00 am and close on Wednesday, July 20, 2016 at midday”.

Simpson Miller has already indicated that she will be seeking re-election when the party holds its annual conference later this year. But political observers say she is likely to face a challenge from her former finance minister, Dr. Peter Phillips, a vice president of the party.

Former PNP general secretary, Peter Bunting, has also signalled his intention to seek the presidency of the party.

Former government minister and parliamentary representative for St. Ann South East, Lisa Hanna, says she intends vying for one of the four vice president posts.