Mitchell delays retirement

ST GEORGE’S (CMC):

Prime Minister Dr Keith Mitchell has confided that he will not be exiting public life before the 2023 general election, despite previously stating that he would be doing so.

During the campaign for the 2018 general election Mitchell, who is at the helm of the ruling New National Party (NNP), then indicated that he would not contest another general election. However, in an interview on Thursday – approximately two years before the election is constitutionally due, the prime minister said that he has had to change his plans about handing over leadership.

“A decision has been made. I would have preferred not to have but there are rationales based on my own colleagues’ views and general perceptions that the right time will have to be after the next election to hand over the reigns to someone. So, it looks likely, highly likely that I will certainly run, unless I have some health issues or physical problem,” said Mitchell, who has served in the Parliament for almost four decades.

The prime minister will celebrate his 75th birth in November.