Phillips: I am continuing to think and reflect. - File

DEFEATED PEOPLE'S National Party (PNP) leadership contender, Dr Peter Phillips, says it is too early to say whether he will be stepping down from his current positions in the PNP.

Phillips is the leader of opposition business in the House of Representatives and spokesman on national security.

A former PNP vice-president, Phillips has been in a reflective mood since he lost his second bid for the party's top job by 373 votes on Saturday.

He told The Gleaner/Power 106 News yesterday that he had spoken to the party president, Portia Simpson Miller, and would be meeting with her within the next two days.

Think and reflect

At this meeting, a decision is expected to be made on Phillips' future role in the party.

"I am continuing to think and reflect. I have not made any decision, excepting I can say I remain a loyal member of the PNP," he said.

Political analysts have been expressing mixed views on Phillips' fate following his failed attempt to grasp the reins of the party.

Some commentators have suggested that Phillips and Simpson Miller hold talks on how to unite the party, while others have indicated that key supporters of Phillips' Arise and Renew team would be sidelined in the new dispensation.

Phillips made it clear in The Gleaner/Power 106 News interview that he supported and respected the decision of the delegates.

"I shall continue to do all I can to advance the principles and purposes of the PNP," he added.

Asked if he would sit in his designated seat as leader of opposition business, Phillips did not give a precise response but indicated that he would be in attendance in Parliament.

"I don't know what is on the parliamentary agenda tomorrow (today). There are lots of things we have to do, but I really haven't put my mind to that yet," he said.