CLARENDON, Jamaica — An interim injunction has blocked the People’s National Party’s (PNP) bid to take control of the Clarendon Municipal Corporation, following a Supreme Court order presented during a special meeting of the council on Friday.

The court order barred the council from debating or voting on key agenda items relating to the proposed removal of Mayor Joel Williams and Deputy Mayor Clivalee Mundle.

The development comes amid political tensions at the municipal corporation following the announcement by Councillor for the May Pen North Division, Tanya-Lee Williams that she intends to leave the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) and join the PNP.

Williams reportedly attempted to cross the floor during Thursday’s sitting of the municipal corporation. However, the move was ruled inadmissible after she failed to follow the correct procedure under the council’s standing orders, resulting in the adjournment of the meeting.

In a statement on Thursday, the JLP said it had taken note of Williams’ announcement but had not received a formal resignation letter from the councillor.

The party said processes had been activated to facilitate her expulsion.

READ: JLP moves to expel councillor after announced defection to PNP