Kings Counsel, Michael Lashley, has signaled his intention to remain active in politics and in the St. Philip North constituency despite his imminent removal from the Executive Council of the Opposition Democratic Labour Party.
The former Member of Parliament currently holds the position of Senior Vice President of the DLP, but confirms to Starcom Network News that he has been informed by the party that he may be deemed to have forfeited his seat on the Executive Council.
A letter to Mr. Lashley from the DLP’s General Secretary, Pedro Shepherd, states that the council has taken note of his repeated absences from meetings of the Council during the past seven months.
It adds that under the party’s constitution, any member of the Executive Council who is absent from six consecutive meetings without leave shall be determined to have forfeited their seat.
The letter informs Mr. Lashley that the decision takes effect at the next meeting of the Executive Council slated for January 2025.
Starcom Network News understands that senior officials of the opposition party have been seeking to reach out to Mr. Lashley.
We were also reliably informed that Mr. Lashley had communicated with the party in November indicating he was unable to attend a meeting of the Executive Council due to illness as he was then suffering from the flu.
Mr. Lashley declined comment on those reports but in relation to his political future he tells Starcom Network News he remains committed to the constituency of St. Philip North which he previously represented.
Pressed further about his political future and any future political affiliation, Mr. Lashley declined comment insisting his current focus is on his legal practice and commitment to clients.
Kings Counsel Michael Lashley
Commenting on the development political scientist Dr. George Belle notes that Mr. Lashley was the DLP’s strongest candidate in the last election but says only time will tell what his next move will be.
Dr. Belle doesn’t see Mr. Lashley running as an independent and outlines the various options.
It has also been confirmed that 2nd Vice President of the DLP, Walter Maloney received a similar letter.
Dr. Belle attributes Mr. Maloney’s absence to his affiliation with the faction of the party that had left.
Political scientist, Dr. George Belle
