Mikael Phillips will be the new People's National Party's (PNP) candidate for North West Manchester in the next general election.

In a candidate-selection vote held at the Mile Gully Primary School in the constituency yesterday, Phillips easily defeated political activist Patrick Crawford.

PNP Deputy General Secretary Julian Robinson told The Gleaner that of the total 793 votes cast in yesterday's election, Phillips polled 547 to Crawford's 238. There were eight spoilt ballots.

A third candidate vying for the seat, National Workers' Union President Vincent Morrison, pulled out of the race one week early because of issues with the date of the poll.

The voter turnout for yesterday's election was heavy, measuring about 85 per cent, officials said.

Son of Peter Phillips

The 37-year-old Phillips, son of former National Security Minister Dr Peter Phillips, will replace sitting Member of Parliament Dean Peart, who has indicated that he will not seek re-election to the House at the end of his parliamentary term. He has served the constituency as MP for 20 years.

Phillips was formerly the PNP caretaker for the East Rural St Andrew constituency. He was defeated by the Jamaica Labour Party's Joseph Hibbert in the 2007 general election. He lost that poll by 270 votes.