PLP internal struggle ensues after AG walks away from politics

Kathy-Lynn Simmons, is understood to have submitted her resignation as Attorney General, on more than one occasion over her tenure.

She reportedly was to have been gone
by April 2024, we’re told. An agreement which purportedly dates back to last year. However, she extended her employment until July 31 st of this year.

When her resignation was first announced, the Premier was said to have been made aware she was walking away from politics altogether.

TNN has been informed it is alleged that the party leader informed MP Jache Adams of the impending resignation of Kathy Simmons and Adams commenced canvassing in Constituency 36 prior to the official announcement.

Now there is said to be in-fighting as one source claims MP lanthia Simmons-Wade and Senator Emily- Gail Dill are challenging MP Jache
Adams for what has traditionally been a PLP safe seat. This begs the question, how do the people of constituency 19 who voted MP Adams into the House, feel about their representative seemingly
attempting to jump ship.

The situation of MPs seeking to switch Constituency described as unusual but not unprecedented in parliamentary systems. Here’s how it generally works:

Canvassing in Another Constituency:

A sitting Member of Parliament (MP) from one constituency (C-19 in this case) is allowed to canvass or campaign in another constituency
(C-36). This is common when an MP decides to contest an election in a different area, often due to strategic reasons or personal choices.

Resignation from the Current Seat (C-19):
The MP does not necessarily need to resign from their current seat before contesting in another constituency. In many parliamentary systems, an MP can continue to serve in their current
constituency while running for a seat in a different one. If they win the new seat (C-36), they would then have to vacate their original seat (C-19). If they lose, they retain their current seat unless they choose to resign.

Political Strategy:

From a strategic standpoint, this move might be seen as the MP trying to increase their influence or secure a seat that they perceive as safer or more advantageous. It’s a common tactic in politics, especially if the MP believes their current seat might be at risk.

In summary, Jache Adams does not need to resign from C-19 to canvass or even run in C-36. The rules of the political system likely allow this, but it would be wise for the MP to communicate clearly with both constituencies to minimize confusion and maintain trust.

TNN also reported on the turmoil within the Progressive Labor Party (PLP) as a disagreement between Premier David Burt and MP Vance Campbell, was taking place, it all came to a head as MP Campbell departed from the PLP and joined the OBA. 

During a press conference this morning MP Vance Campbell broke the news. “So I entered politics because I wanted that “Future Bermuda” to be better for all our children.

And I wanted to be part of a team to deliver that better future.

In 2011, I believed that team to be the Bermuda Progressive Labour Party

2011 seems a very long time ago, and, when you include my time as a Central Committee Representative and a Delegate I have actively served for approximately fourteen years. That experience has presented me with much to evaluate.

Sadly today – in 2024 – in assessing the years between 2011 and now, the conclusion that I kept coming to was that the political party that I joined many years ago – the Bermuda  Progressive Labour Party – no longer presents the best option for securing a better future for Bermuda.

When called upon to serve, I believe that we must always put the interests of our people first.

And for these reasons, I have this morning resigned as a member of the Bermuda Progressive Labour Party.

My belief in service carries with it a desire to work together with people who strive to improve the lives of others.  And in today’s Bermuda, I believe we must call upon the talents of everyone.

As an Island, we must come together and unite to solve our problems.

That is who I am.  That is who I will continue to be. And so today I am joining the One Bermuda Alliance.

Meanwhile, TNN reached out to both party leader Mr. Burt as well as the party Chair for comment, below is the response from the party chair.

As a matter of policy, the Progressive Labour Party (PLP) does not discuss internal matters, including the processes related to candidate selection.

The Party’s Central Committee has approved the process for candidate selection and all officers and members of the Party are following and abiding with that process.

Any comment from anonymous sources that states otherwise should be treated as idle speculation and rumour. 

When our internal processes are complete, we will make a formal announcement regarding candidates to contest elections for the Progressive Labour Party.

We appreciate your understanding.

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