Opposition Leader, Aubrey Norton today defended claims of being a weak leader as well as concerns about a possible power struggle within the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR).
Speaking at a weekly press conference, Norton said such claims are a stark contrast to what he claims is the full support of members of the PNCR. He also refuted claims about a disintegration of support for the party as well as him as a leader.
“For me, the most important support is the support of the membership of this party, and the people on the road, on the ground, those support I have. As far as I know, I have the support of the Members of Parliament. When we had the budget, we were able to rally all of the Members of Parliament and confront the PPP budget and expose them,” the PNC Leader said.
In addressing comments that the party is not able to contest in all districts for the upcoming Local Government Elections (LGE), he noted that particularly in the Georgetown district, lists were submitted to various districts.
While not stating how many persons are contesting, he noted that the party secured a number of candidates. Norton said too the candidates representing the party at the upcoming LGE were selected for the 80 Local Authority Areas. He noted as well that there was extensive discussions with the candidates before arriving at a decision on the party’s participation.
“A lot of the decisions are made at the local level. At the level of the municipality, those members, at the level of the municipality and the Neighborhood Democratic Council met and decided who they wanted to run.
“One of the things I committed to change when I became leader was the situation where people sat at the centre and determined for Local Government what they should do,” Norton said, adding that he has succeeding in achieving this.
Norton has come under serious criticism since he took office as Opposition Leader. His leadership has come under fire from members of government and even party members, some of whom have resigned over the last year.
