FORMER Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) managing director Colin Campbell has made public his desire to chair the St Andrew Southern constituency.

Campbell’s declaration came days after Golding, vice-chairman of the constituency, confirmed months-old speculation that he has interest in the seat, currently held by Dr Omar Davies.

The rumble in the jungle began last year when Dr Davies — who has served as member of Parliament (MP) since 1997 — announced that he would not be seeking re-election in the recently held general election, which saw his People’s National Party (PNP) losing State power to the Jamaica Labour Party.

Davies, however, made an about-turn, contesting and winning the PNP stronghold. But for the second time, the 68-year-old former transport and works minister has announced that he will not be seeking re-election.

“I am running as a candidate for chairmanship of the constituency,” Campbell told the Jamaica Observer when contacted Wednesday.

“Dr Davies is stepping down at the next constituency conference in August and I have offered myself and I have embarked on a programme to meet with the delegates seeking their support and I am very confident that I will emerge the victor,” Campbell added.

Political insiders have informed the Observer that Campbell’s decision to challenge for the chairmanship is backed by influential figures within the constituency and that he has long been campaigning in the PNP garrison. This has, however, been flatly denied by the former St Andrew Eastern MP.

“I have not been campaigning; I have been working in the area… I was at JUTC up to a week ago so I haven’t been involved in direct political campaigning for that time,” he said, though he opted not to renew his contract with the State-run bus company.

The Observer made several unsuccessful attempts to contact Golding, who earlier this month signalled his intention to enter representational politics via that constituency when he toured sections of Arnett Gardens. Golding currently sits in the Upper House of Parliament.

At the same time, the political temperature in the southern constituency is rising, as the Observer has learnt that plans are afoot for a third person to vie for the safe seat. That third person, who is from the constituency and who is said to be popular among the delegates, ran in the last general election.

He is expected to make his intentions known as soon as a vacancy is announced by the party.

— Kimone Francis