Appeals Court says Tufton, Williams should retake their seats

The Court of Appeal has declared that Arthur Williams and Dr Christopher Tufton should retake their seats in Jamaica's Upper House.

This ruling clears the doubt that existed after the Constitutional Court said their resignation letters tendered to the Governor General in 2013 were null and void.

The pre-signed, undated letters were submitted to the Governor General by the Opposition Leader, Andrew Holness.

In its ruling in February declaring the resignation letters null and void, the Constitutional Court did not explicitly state what should happen to Williams and Tufton.

But today, the president of the Court of Appeal, Seymour Panton, said Williams and Tufton should retake their seats.

Meanwhile, Attorney-at-Law and political analyst, Dr. Paul Ashley, says the political career of Opposition leader, Andrew Holness, has been blighted by today’s ruling by the Appeals Court.

Ashley says the ruling is a blow to Holness’ image as Opposition Leader and the leader of the Jamaica Labour Party.

He says it may be hard for him to continue to command confidence among his colleagues and therefore Holness may have to consider stepping down as JLP leader.

Ashley also said the Senate seat saga may affect the chances of the JLP, under the leadership of Andrew Holness, of victory at any upcoming elections.

Attorney-at-law, Bert Samuels agrees adding that Holness will face a political fallout arising from the ruling the Appeals Court.

According Samuels, it was ill-advised for Holness to challenge the decision of the Constitutional Court and he should now reflect on his political future.