The Liberty and Justice Party (LJP) yesterday said it has lost confidence in its candidate for the Region Eight council, Jimmy James and is seeking to replace him and it also accused the GECOM Secretariat of frustrating the proposed change.
The statement yesterday from party leader Lenox Shuman came two days after James told Stabroek News that LJP officials were lying about his health. James said that he was fit and prepared to take up his seat on the Potaro-Siparuni council where he would have been able to cast the deciding vote on who would be the Chair.
James’ intention to cast his vote in favour of the APNU+AFC coalition because it garnered the most votes in the region seems to have resulted in the LJP trying to have him replaced. The LJP has embarked on a close working relationship with the PPP/C government and the replacement of James seems intended for Shuman’s party to support the ruling party for the chairmanship. Last year, PPP/C members of parliament voted for Shuman to become the Deputy Speaker of the House even though his party will control only one seat for around 30 months.