Tensions reportedly ran high inside Progressive Labour Party headquarters last night, as a special meeting of the party’s Central Committee descended into what one insider described as an unruly and highly contentious debate over the future of the party and its delegates.
TNN News has spoken exclusively with a source who was inside the meeting and provided a detailed play-by-play of what unfolded.
According to the source, a motion was placed on the floor calling for a Special Delegates Conference to be held as early as Thursday night.
But the proposal reportedly met strong resistance from several voices inside the room, including lawyers and former Premier Paula Cox.
The insider claims that members urged the party leadership to slow down, particularly in light of the ongoing legal proceedings and an injunction currently before the courts.
The source said the argument from those urging caution was essentially that the party had moved too quickly previously, contributing to the legal challenge now before the Supreme Court.
The insider also claims that lawyers who addressed the meeting advised that the party should take time, allow the legal process to unfold and consider the implications before moving forward with another delegates conference.
Former Premier Paula Cox was reportedly among those who spoke, along with lawyers and other senior party figures.
But, according to the source, those concerns were not enough to stop the motion from proceeding.
The insider alleges that the motion was ultimately approved, paving the way for an attempt to hold a Special Delegates Conference on Thursday.
However, another major question has now emerged: whether the proposed conference can legally be held on such short notice.
According to the source, members leaving the meeting were questioning whether the required 21 days’ notice must be given for a Special Delegates Conference.
The insider also claims Premier and PLP Leader David Burt was questioned about whether he had obtained legal advice before putting the motion forward.
According to the source, the question was not answered.
The controversy comes as the PLP remains embroiled in an internal leadership battle and a broader dispute over delegates and the party’s constitutional procedures.
The source alleges that a significant issue surrounding the proposed conference is the status of newer party members and whether they will be eligible to become delegates.
The insider claims there is concern within the party that allowing newer members to become delegates could significantly alter the numbers and potentially affect the outcome of the leadership contest.
Those claims have not been independently verified by TNN News.
The timing is particularly significant, with a Supreme Court hearing scheduled for Thursday concerning the ongoing legal dispute.
The insider warned that attempting to proceed with another delegates conference before the court matter is resolved could result in another legal challenge or injunction.
TNN News understands that the developments inside the PLP headquarters could therefore set the stage for another dramatic confrontation between the party’s political leadership, its membership and the courts.
With the Supreme Court scheduled to hear the matter Thursday—and the proposed Special Delegates Conference reportedly also being targeted for Thursday night—all eyes will now be on whether the conference proceeds, whether the court intervenes, and whether the PLP’s own constitutional rules permit the meeting to go ahead.
TNN News will continue to follow this developing story and will be at Progressive Labour Party headquarters Thursday night for the latest developments.
Stay tuned to TNN News for continuing coverage.
Any content which is considered unsuitable, unlawful, or offensive, includes personal details, advertises or promotes products, services or websites, or repeats previous comments will be removed.
User comments posted on this website are solely the views and opinions of the comment writer and are not a representation of or reflection of the opinions of TNN or its staff.
TNN reserves the right to remove, edit or censor any comments.
TNN accepts no liability and will not be held accountable for the comments made by users.