KINGSTON, Jamaica – The People’s National Party today said it will not be considering former Member of Parliament Kern Spencer as its standard bearer for the St Elizabeth North Eastern seat in the next general election.

Media reports are that Spencer was considering a return to representational politics and has written to the PNP’s General Secretary Paul Burke indicating that he was ready to do political work.

Having served the aforementioned constituency between 2007 and 2011, Spencer reportedly offered himself to return to represent the party there if neither Redman nor Pryce were put forward.

However, the party said it hopes that, despite the current challenges in North East St Elizabeth, individuals will disregard any previous claims that may have suggested that Spencer will become a candidate in the next general election.

St Elizabeth NE has been thrown into political turmoil after repeated delays in the holding of a delegates’ selection following a challenge to sitting MP Raymond Pryce by businessman Evon Redman for leadership of the constituency.

Pryce, according to a statement from the PNP, has withdrawn his bid from the selection process due to “recent developments within the political organisation of the constituency of North Eastern St Elizabeth and the serious implications that have arisen”.

In the latest political drama in the constituency, Redman has said that his decision, which was taken in mid-year to challenge Pryce, was motivated by what he considered to be the MP’s poor leadership of the constituency organisation and perceived inability to unite Comrades behind him.

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