Neville Paul, Gleaner Writer

BLAKE

Four selected local government election candidates of the governing People's National Party (PNP) in South East St. Elizabeth have resigned.

The four resigned following news that the party's Member of Parliament and chairman for the constituency, Lenworth Blake, is to be replaced by former Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) Senator, Norman Horne.

The Gleaner understands that Mr. Blake has been called to a meeting today with the party hierarchy, when he is expected to be told of his replacement.

However, Mr. Blake told The Gleaner that the meeting might not be necessary as he will not be attending.

"I will not be attending any meeting on the matter as for some time following the presidential race, there are forces who have been trying to undermine me in the constituency," Mr. Blake said.

"In July, during a selection, over 325 delegates in the constituency confirmed my selection as candidate for the constituency. And several polls that have been conducted have revealed that I am leading in all areas and therefore news of my replacement is nothing but trying to undermine me," he added.

Protest action

The resignation of the four parish council candidates is said to be in protest of the action against Mr. Blake.

Campaign chairman for Mr. Blake, Paul Lee, told The Gleaner that the candidates, Basil Stephenson in Southfield; Veronica Johnson in Junction; Joy Keane in Malvern; and councillor for the Myersville division, Winston Sinclair, have resigned with immediate effect.

Mr. Lee said he would not be taking any further active role in the campaign for the PNP in South East St. Elizabeth.

Some time ago, the hierarchy of the PNP stated that the South East St. Elizabeth constituency was among 10 that were up for review as the party stated that the candidates were not doing enough.