Redman for NE St Bess - Pryce withdraws, PNP rejects Spencer

Businessman Evon Redman is set to represent the People's National Party (PNP) in North East St Elizabeth.

The Gleaner understands that members of the party hierarchy signed off on Redman becoming the standard-bearer for the constituency during a meeting at PNP headquarters in St Andrew yesterday.

The decision came less than 24 hours after embattled Member of Parliament Raymond Pryce announced he would give up ambitions to continue representing the constituency for another term.

"In light of recent developments within the political organisation of the constituency of North Eastern St Elizabeth and the serious implications that have arisen, I have decided to withdraw my name from the selection process," Pryce said in a statement released by the PNP late Monday night.

"I will therefore not be available to stand as a candidate for the People's National Party when the next general elections are called," he added, while declaring that he remained a loyal member of the party.

In the meantime, the PNP also issued a statement declaring that it would not be considering Kern Spencer as a candidate for the next general election.

Spencer had told The Gleaner on Monday that he was considering a return to representational politics, a career path he abandoned after he was charged with corruption and money laundering in 2008 but was subsequently acquitted.

In its statement, the PNP said it hoped that individuals would disregard any suggestion that Spencer would become a candidate in the next general election.