The People's National Party (PNP) has hit back at sitting councillor for the Myersville division in St. Elizabeth, Winston Sinclair, ousting him from the party yesterday.

According to a press release from the PNP, Mr. Sinclair, who was nominated as an independent candidate on Monday for the December 5 local government elections, breached one of the party's constitutional clauses, the consequence for which is expulsion.

According to Section 173 of the PNP's constitution, any member of the party contesting a seat for the House of Representatives or for any municipality or parish council, in opposition to any candidate of the PNP, is automatically expelled from the party.

High level of support

On Monday's nomination day, both Jamaica Labour Party, and PNP supporters were surprised at the level of support accompanying Mr. Sinclair, which, according to reports matched that of the two major parties.

However, the move by Mr. Sinclair to run as an independent means he has to go up against the PNP's candidate, Richard Parchment, and is thus liable to sanctions under the above-mentioned clause.

Speaking with The Gleaner, Mr. Sinclair indicated that the expulsion has not meant much to his campaign because he knew what he was in for and had told his supporters almost a year ago.