KINGSTON, Jamaica— Four members of the People’s National Party (PNP) were automatically expelled after being nominated as independent candidates for the February 26 local government elections.

Those expelled following Thursday’s nomination day exercise are Lydia Richards (Bensonton Division, St Ann South Eastern), Lawton McKenzie (Grange Hill Division, Westmoreland Western), Beverley Swaby (Porus Division, South Manchester) and Uphell Purcell (York Town Division, Clarendon South Western).

The party said in a release on Friday that the decision for the expulsion aligns with Rule 263 of the party’s constitution, which states, “No person who has contested a seat in the House of Representatives or for any Municipality, or as a candidate in opposition to the People’s National Party, may continue as a member of the party”.

The PNP expressed gratitude for the former members’ service.

“Looking ahead with confidence, the Party anticipates the decisive victory of Comrade Clovis Gohagen in the Bensonton Division, Comrade Warren Lyttleton in the Grange Hill Division, Comrade Peta-Gaye Blake-Campbell in the Porus Division and Comrade Anthony Davis in the York Town Division for the People’s National Party on February 26, 2024,” the release concluded.