KNGSTON, Jamaica — People’s National Party Councillor for the Bensonton Division Lydia Richards has reportedly made an about-turn and will not take part in today’s candidate selection process in St Ann South Eastern.

Richards was challenging Member of Parliament Lisa Hanna for the right to represent the party in that constituency for upcoming parliamentary elections.

Richards told OBSERVER ONLINE late Saturday that she was “still in the race”, despite having issues with the delegates’ list.

OBSERVER ONLINE has since learnt, however, that Richards has taken a decision not to participate in the selection exercise.

It is said that Richards had written to the party’s General Secretary Paul Burke stating that she was not comfortable with the list. However, nothing has reportedly been done about it.

OBSERVER ONLINE has learnt that among Richards’ concerns is the issue that people have been allegedly placed in groups, which are supporting her challenger Hanna, without their consent.

It is further alleged that those persons’ signatures were forged.

OBSERVER ONLINE has been reliably informed that the selection exercise will still take place as the party has not been officially informed of Richards’ decision. And that, should the councillor formally notify the party, Hanna will face delegates in a ratification exercise.

In the meantime, several people from the constituency have been summoned by the contractor general. It is understood that an investigation has been launched into the awarding of contracts in St Ann South Eastern.

Kimone Francis