There are more worries for the People's National Party (PNP) in Manchester with news that the party's councillor/candidate for the Newport division, Michael Stewart, could resign this week because of family commitments.

Mr. Stewart, the principal of the Porus High School in Manchester, was expected to replace sitting councillor for the Newport division, Ederick Preddie.

The Gleaner/Power 106 News understands that Mr. Stewart could make his decision official at a meeting of the PNP's divisional executive on Thursday.

Mr. Preddie, who has been the councillor for the last 21 years, will not be seeking re-election to the Manchester Parish Council in the next local government election, constitutionally due by December 31.

No official word

In the meantime, the PNP's South Manchester Constituency Chairman, Michael Peart, said he has had no official word on the impending resignation of the councillor/candidate.

Mr. Peart said he expects that Mr. Stewart will remain as the councillor/candidate for the upcoming election. However, he has confirmed that there will be a meeting of the party's divisional executive on Thursday.

The Newport division, which is located in the constituency of South Manchester, is considered a PNP stronghold.

Only four days ago, Vando Palmer, the PNP's candidate for the neighbouring Central Manchester constituency, tendered his resignation.

Mr. Palmer said he resigned because his candidacy was being undermined.