Tracy Panton Issues Ultimatum as UDP Leadership Standoff Intensifies

After lobbying for the leadership seat in the United Democratic Party for several months, Tracy Panton, is looking to walk away with her Leader of the Opposition status intact.  Earlier this month, we told of Panton giving effect to the court’s status quo-ante signaling the handing over of the party to the central executive that existed prior to her October convention.  With that done, Panton then proceeded to request a national party council to the Acting Chairman, Alberto August.  August has yet to respond to Panton, and now in a letter dated May 10, the LOTO issued an ultimatum, telling August, quote, “If it is not the intention of the UDP Leadership (Status Quo Ante) to adhere to the constitutional provisions of the Party, I will withdraw my interest in leading the UDP and focus my time, efforts and attention to serving as the Leader of the Opposition in House of Representatives and as the duly elected UDP Area Representative for Albert.” End of quote.  The letter is dated two days ago, but fast forward today, and Panton told Love News that she is not going anywhere.

Tracy Panton, Leader of the Opposition: “Let me say this, Tracy Panton is going nowhere. I am here to fight.”

As it relates to Moses Shyne Barrow, while he did tender his resignation as the UDP Leader, he said it was never formally accepted.  Additionally, he noted that when he rescinded his resignation on April 24, no one in the party formally objected.  He noted that his term as the Party Leader does not expire until a national convention is called.  He did say, however, that he could be removed via a recall mechanism.  Our newsroom reached out to August for comment but he declined.