THE battle for former Member of Parliament (MP) Portia Simpson Miller’s St Andrew South Western constituency teeters on the brink of a firestorm as People’s National Party (PNP) councillor for the Payne Land Division Audrey Smith Facey has made it clear that she expects to be the candidate, despite Simpson Miller’s push for another Comrade.

Simpson Miller, who retired from the post last month, has thrown her support behind former mayor of Kingston and the party’s Norman Gardens Division councillor, Angela Brown Burke.

In a video obtained by the Jamaica Observer on Monday, Simpson Miller urged constituents to “work together” with Brown Burke to continue the legacy that was built by her in the PNP’s safest seat.

This is despite Brown Burke’s failure to submit a letter of intent to the party’s general secretary, Julian Robinson, indicating an interest in the seat before the June 23 deadline.

Added to that, there is resistance by some delegates in the constituency to have Brown Burke as the candidate for the parliamentary seat, with several calling for former St Andrew East Rural MP Damion Crawford and Smith Facey.

In fact, a Bill Johnson poll commissioned by the Opposition party, the Observer has learnt, found that Smith Facey was more popular among constituents than Brown Burke. A question posed to constituents enquiring who should replace Simpson Miller saw Crawford finishing in the lead, followed by Smith Facey, Karl Blake, Eugene Kelly, and then Brown Burke. Blake and Kelly are the councillors for the Greenwich Town and Whitfield divisions, respectively, in the constituency.

The push for the poll, the Observer was reliably informed, was done by two heavyweights in the party backing Smith Facey.

Yesterday, Smith Facey, in a media release responding to reports of Simpson Miller’s support for Brown Burke, said: “I have seen reports regarding a video recording purported to be an endorsement by the Most Honourable Portia Simpson Miller of Councillor Angela Brown Burke to succeed her as Member of Parliament for South Western St Andrew.

“I will not speculate as to the motives behind the ‘video release’ beyond noting that it has come well after the party closed the nomination period. I have also seen reports claiming that Councillor Karl Blake has withdrawn his interest in contesting for the seat.”

Smith Facey, who has been a councillor in the constituency for more than a decade, said that she was awaiting formal communication from the party’s secretariat to certify her candidacy as the standard-bearer for the party in the imminent by-election.

“I fully expect that the rules, as initially set out by the secretariat, will apply evenly, equally, and equitably as we bring this matter to a conclusion and get on with the people’s business.

“Along with the residents, business community and related stakeholders, I look forward to leading the development of SW St Andrew through the next legs of our relay.

“I continue to wish Councillor Brown Burke every success as she continues her mission of representing the people of Norman Gardens (Kingston Eastern) where she is loved and welcomed,” Smith Facey said.

The party’s executive is expected to meet tonight to discuss the matter ahead of its National Executive Council’s two-day meeting over the weekend. Selection of a candidate for St Andrew South Western is expected to dominate discussions by the executive.