In tonight's episode of "Keeping Up With The UDP", the Leader of the Opposition Tracy Panton has written to acting Chairman Alberto August. She once again requested that he convene a National Party Council meeting.
This is after a signed petition from NPC members, which - according to the party's constitution - should trigger a meeting within 14 days. Following that, a national convention should be held within 35 to 90 days. Seems straightforward enough, but in the UDP, which remains riven by divisions, there's no certainty that the Chairman will even consider the petition legitimate.
The letter than states, quote, "If it is not the intention of the UDP Leadership to adhere to the constitutional provisions of the Party, I will withdraw my interest in leading the UDP and focus my time, efforts and attention to serving as the Leader of the Opposition in House of Representatives and as the duly elected UDP Area Representative for Albert." End quote.
Today we asked Panton if that means she's given up on the UDP:
Tracy Panton, Leader of the Opposition
"Let me say this, Tracy Panton is going nowhere. I am here to fight to ensure that the democracy of this country prevails. I am going to fight to the best of my ability to ensure that the needs and concerns of the people are heard. Alberto August as the Vice Chairman, status quo ante, has a duty, an obligation, a responsibility to convene the NPC. It has been petitioned so he has no discretion where that is concerned. I will not be held hostage to a vice chairman, status quo ante, who refuses to do his job, I will not be undermined by a vice chairman status quo ante and I will certainly not yield to a madman."
Courtney Menzies:
"So what's the next steps if the NPC meeting isn't called?"
Tracy Panton, Leader of the Opposition
"I believe the NPC meeting will be called. If the NPC meeting is not called, we will have to take the matter to court and have the court compel Mr August to hold the NPC meeting."
Courtney Menzies:
"But you're not planning to step down from leadership of the party?"
Tracy Panton, Leader of the Opposition
"Where did you get that idea from?"
Courtney Menzies:
"That's what the quote said in the letter."
Tracy Panton, Leader of the Opposition
"I just answered your question. Tracy Panton is going nowhere. I have the confidence and support of my colleagues. I certainly have the support of the public at large. I will not be held hostage, I will not be undermined and Mr August has a duty and a responsibility to execute and if he loves the party as much as I believe he does, and as much as he advocates that he does, he will call the NPC."
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