Joseph Mahmud, he's the elected PUP Representative for Cayo North - but 7News has confirmed that he has told the party he is stepping down as standard-bearer and will not contest that seat for the PUP in the next general election. We have confirmed that Mahmud sent a letter last week to the party headquarters announcing his decision.
What's behind it? Well, reports tell us that Mahmud had differences with the other PUP General's in the West, principally Julius Espat, who is the PUP Deputy Leader for the West. Today Deputy Espat wouldn't discuss it only saying, quote, "It's a sensitive issue…I wish him all the best. And I''ll be there to support him in whatever decision he makes…" End quote.
And, according to Party Leader Francis Fonseca the decision has been made. He responded to our request for a comment via text message this evening saying that a letter was sent by Mahmud which the National Executive will discuss. Fonseca says Mahmud quote, "remains as Area Representative and will support the party fully moving forward." End quote. He adds that Mahmud cited "personal reasons" for his decision.
And so, to be clear, Mahmud has formally written to the PUP saying that he will not contest the next general election - and that they should find a new standard bearer. Of course, in politics, it's not that simple.
Conventional wisdom suggests that the party will try mightily will bring him back into the fold - which has worked on a previous occasion when Mahmud was disgruntled with the state of things in the Western political orbit.
And so while the political status quo may remain intact for the time being - it's a key development for the UDP since Cayo North and its famous red hills has always been considered a stronghold for the UDP - which Mahmud wrested away from Salvador Fernandez in the last general election.
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