JLP councillor in Clarendon switches to PNP

The leadership of the Clarendon Municipal Corporation could be switching hands from the ruling Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) to the Opposition People’s National Party (PNP), as Councillor for the May Pen North division Tanyalee Williams today announced that she has switched political allegiance.

Williams made the move further intensifying an already contentious power struggle over the leadership and control of the municipal body.

Her defection means the PNP now holds 12 seats to the JLP’s 10, breaking an 11–11 deadlock that had left the corporation evenly divided.

The tie emerged following the death of JLP Councillor Marjorie McLeod-McFarlane, who represented the Aenon Town Division. Her death triggered a by-election, which was won by PNP candidate Delroy Dawson, allowing him to reclaim the division he had lost to McLeod-McFarlane in the February 2024 local government elections.

Prior to that development, the JLP held a 12–10 majority in the corporation.

The political landscape had also been altered by the earlier defection of then-JLP Councillor Romaine Morris, who represents the Mocho dvision in Clarendon North Central. Morris crossed the floor to the PNP and subsequently retained his seat as a PNP candidate in the February 2024 local government elections.

Williams’ latest move would give the PNP the numerical advantage and places the party in a stronger position to influence the corporation’s leadership, decision-making and governance.

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