KINGSTON, Jamaica —  Winston Ennis, the former deputy mayor of Kingston, has rubbished claims he’s leaving the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) to become an independent candidate.

In a statement on Wednesday, Ennis stated that sentiments shared in a “leaked voice note”  sent to a JLP-affiliated Whatsapp group were expressed in the “heat of the moment” and are not an indication of his intention to walk away from the party.

“I have not sent a formal letter withdrawing my membership in the Jamaica Labour Party. I wish to categorically state that I retract any verbal suggestion that I have left my Party, which I have served faithfully for several decades,” his statement read partially. “I met last night with members of my Division and party workers and wish to state that I am committed to resolving internally any issue which might have arisen that led to my earlier sentiment.”

Ennis’ departure from the JLP would have broken a 20-20 tie for the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC), following last week’s local government election, and would have given the People’s National Party (PNP) outright control of the parish council.

READ: Councillor-elect Ennis walks away from JLP, breaks deadlock for KSAMC

Reiterating that he remains a member of the JLP, Ennis said he is committed to the view that the JLP is “best placed to govern Jamaica at both the local and central Government levels.”

He went on to express disappointment that “personal discussions” were made public. He went further to caution persons on the domain used to express themselves.

“I was surprised at the leak. I am disappointed that personal discussions made it into the public domain. I wish to caution people who are making personal statements in the heat of the moment and meant for internal discussion, to be careful about the domain used to express same and the words chosen,” he shared.