Warren Newby v Corey Dunkley: JLP delegates in Clarendon North Western vote today for party rep

The battle to represent the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) in Clarendon North Western reaches its peak today, with over 800 delegates set to decide who will carry the party’s flag in the upcoming general election.

Voting is to start at 1 p.m. and end at 4 p.m.

Three candidates are in contention: former senator Warren Newby, attorney Corey Dunkley, and educator Dr Clovis Nelson, with Newby and Dunkley seen as the frontrunners.

Polling stations are located in the four local government divisions - Frankfield, Spalding, Ritchies , and Thompson Town.

Newby, 47, has a long history in the party, having served as campaign manager for several JLP parliamentarians and a junior minister under former Prime Minister Bruce Golding. His bid for Gordon House follows a period of sidelining after backing Audley Shaw in the 2013 leadership challenge against Prime Minister Andrew Holness.

Newby’s campaign is built on his extensive political experience. Having started working in the constituency in January, he has won the backing of Clive Mundle, councillor for the Frankfield division and deputy mayor of Clarendon; Collin Henry, councillor for the Thompson Town division; and Kamiel Marshall, councillor-caretaker for the Ritchies division.

They argue that Newby’s political experience and long-standing presence in the constituency make him the best choice to help the JLP retain the seat.

Dunkley, 31, is positioned as a fresh face with strong family ties in Clarendon politics.

His grandfather, Gladstone Dunkley, and uncle, Errol Dunkley, both held political office in the parish. Dunkley, who has been active in the constituency for over a year, believes his youthful energy and vision will bring much-needed change to the area.

Some workers have expressed support for Dunkley, arguing that Newby has already had his opportunity to represent the party.

Dr Nelson, an educator with experience in the US school system, has framed his candidacy as a call for firm leadership in a constituency he says has suffered from misrepresentation and a lack of development.

The selection follows businessman Phillip Henriques’ decision not to seek re-election as Member of Parliament after winning the seat in 2020.

The JLP councillors have welcomed his exit, accusing Henriques of neglecting rural needs like roads and jeopardizing the party’s chances of retaining the seat. Henriques has rejected these criticisms.

The winner will still have to face the party's selection processes.

The JLP's representative will face off with the Opposition People's National Party's Richard Azan, who was voted out of office in 2020.

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