Arthur Hall, Senior Staff Reporter

IT NOW SEEMS clear that the battle for the leadership of the People's National Party (PNP) will continue next Sunday when the six regional executive councils (RECs) meet.

The Sunday Gleaner understands that supporters of recently endorsed president, Portia Simpson Miller, are lining up to challenge any backers of defeated presidential candidate, Dr Peter Phillips, who head an REC.

In the latest development, member of Parliament (MP) for East Central St Catherine and vocal Simpson Miller backer, Natalie Neita-Headley, confirmed that she is considering a run for the leadership of Region Four, which covers 15 constituencies in St Catherine and Clarendon.

"I'm giving it serious thought and am having dialogue with my constituency executive and senior members of the party," Neita-Headley disclosed yesterday.

not challenging anyone

The region is now headed by former MP and Phillips supporter, Horace Dalley.

"I'm not challenging anyone. The post will become vacant on October 5. This is not about Mr Dalley. It is about the PNP and the region," Neita-Headley said.

She has already received the endorsement of her constituency executive and other senior members in the region who indicated their support in a release to the media yesterday.

This came days after another Simpson Miller supporter, Ian Hayles, confirmed that he was preparing to offer himself to lead Region Six, which is now headed by Phillips backer, Dr Wykeham McNeill. Hayles, a first-time MP, made it clear that he was considering offering himself to lead the region after reports surfaced that McNeill would not be seeking re-election.

possible swap

Next Sunday's REC meetings could also see a swap with Simpson Miller backer, Phillip Paulwell, chairman of Region Three, making way for a fellow Simpson Miller supporter, Senator Basil Waite. Comrades are keeping a close watch on Region One where first-time MP Lisa Hanna could replace Mark Campbell.

However, Hanna, the vice-chairman of the region, has already indicated that she would not challenge Campbell with whom she enjoys a good relationship.

There is so far no word on Region Two where Phillips supporter Dr Donald Rhodd is the chairman. Michael Peart is expected to be returned unopposed in Region Five.