The People’s National Party (PNP) on Thursday night dumped Oliver Clue as its representative for St Andrew East Rural, setting the stage for what party insiders say will be the entry of Michael Phillips, son of National Security Minister Dr Peter Phillips, into representational politics.

Party general-secretary Donald Buchanan yesterday confirmed Clue’s removal, but would not confirm that Phillips will be his replacement. Party executives, up to Saturday, denied that Clue was asked to step aside, despite world from party insiders who said he had been booted, but that he had refused to go.

Fielding questions from journalists yesterday following the conclusion of the ruling party’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting at the Jamaica Conference Centre, downtown Kingston, Buchanan spoke of the party’s election readiness and Clue’s removal.

“We are 85 per cent ready for the next general election, but the other 15 per cent has to do with the constituency of St Ann South East, where we will hold a selection meeting on April 15 to decide on that candidate,” said Buchanan. “In East Rural St Andrew, the decision has been taken that comrade Oliver Clue will not be the candidate, and comrade Clue has agreed to this. We are going to be deciding on a new candidate for that constituency.”

According to Buchanan, Clue agreed to leave on the basis of evidence provided from the state of the organisation in the constituency and poll results.

“He agreed that in the circumstances we should seek to put forward another candidate,” Buchanan said.

Late Saturday night, Observer sources said that young Phillips, who ‘figured prominently in the soundings’ conducted in the constituency, will replace Clue.

“Phillips is the more viable candidate, but Clue must be prepared to work with him,” the source said, explaining that Clue still holds some sway among voters, given his role as councillor for the Harbour View division in the Kingston and St Andrew Corporation (KSAC).

“Clue represents a strong PNP division in the constituency and his support will be critical for the party to win the constituency,” the source said.

The Jamaica Labour Party’s Joseph Hibbert represents the constituency in the Parliament.

Yesterday, Buchanan also disclosed that another constituency – Manchester Central, which is currently held by the retiring PNP MP John Junor, and for which Vando Palmer was selected – is now under review by the party.

Buchanan said recent allegations that Palmer physically abused his wife, Marcia, have forced the party to review him as a candidate.

He refused to say if Palmer would be removed and also denied any knowledge of interest being shown in the constituency by Tourism Minister Aloun Assamba.

Yesterday, the NEC ratified the selection of Ann Marie Wharburton as the candidate for St Elizabeth, North Western and Ralph Thomas for Clarendon North Central.

Meanwhile, the general-secretary said 22 municipal divisions are yet to be finalised, but the party was not running out of time with the candidate selection process, which has been on-going for nearly a year.