KINGSTON, Jamaica — People’s National Party (PNP) General Secretary Julian Robinson has indicated that he will not be contesting the election for president of the party.

Robinson yesterday informed the National Executive Council of his decision to resign as general secretary as of November 15, following the election of a new president. 

In a statement a short while ago, he cited the party’s defeat in the September 10 General Election as reason for his resignation and said: “I do not intend to pursue any other position in the party at this time.”

“The General Election results were disappointing for the party and while there will be an assessment done by an Appraisal Committee, as a key member of the leadership of the Party, I am accepting responsibility. That does not mean accepting blame for everything that happened,” he said.

“The timing of my departure allows the new president of the Party an opportunity to shape his or her own leadership team”. 

It was anticipated that Robinson would be among challengers for the presidency, however, only Lisa Hanna and Mark Golding have put forward their bid so far.

Norman Horne and Mikael Phillips have also said they will not be contesting the election.

The presidential contest was set in motion by the resignation of Dr Phillips who took responsibility for the party’s 14-49 seat loss in the general election.

Read Robinson’s statement in full: 

Yesterday I informed the National Executive Council (NEC) of my decision to demit office as General Secretary at the next meeting of that body in November.

Since my entry into public life, I have operated on the principles of accountability, transparency and a commitment to good governance. In this case, accountability required it. 

The General Election results were disappointing for the Party and while there will be an assessment done by an Appraisal Committee, as a key member of the leadership of the Party, I am accepting responsibility. That does not mean accepting blame for everything that happened.

The timing of my departure allows the new president of the Party an opportunity to shape his or her own leadership team.

I will continue my work as Member of Parliament for my constituents in South East St. Andrew and as a spokesman for the Party in holding the Government accountable.

For the rest of my tenure I will work to ensure that the leadership transition is done in a smooth and efficient manner that preserves unity in the Party.

I do not intend to pursue any other position in the Party at this time.

As someone who has committed my life to the advancement and upliftment of the Jamaican people, I will continue to work relentlessly to achieve this goal.