Mark Golding to be sworn-in as Opposition Leader today

Mark Golding, who on Saturday won election to the presidency of the opposition People's National Party (PNP) is scheduled to be sworn-in as as Opposition Leader today (Tuesday).

Governor-General Sir Patrick Allen will issue the instrument of  appointment at a ceremony at Kings House at 11:30 a.m.

Phillips Paulwell, Leader of Opposition Business in the House of  Representatives, told Radio Jamaica News that he had informed the Governor-General that Mr Golding had the backing of his colleagues on the opposition benches to become the new Opposition Leader.

Mr Golding will succeed Dr Peter Phillips who has been Leader of the Opposition since 2017.

Following the PNP’s defeat in the September 3 general election, Dr Phillips announced his intention to quite the PNP presidency and vacate the post of Opposition Leader as soon as his successor was determined.

Mr Golding defeated fellow MP Lisa Hanna in the PNP’s presidential contest on November 7, receiving 1,740 votes, to Miss Hanna's 1,444.

Accordingly, Mr Paulwell said he had acted in his capacity as Leader of Opposition Business, by writing to the Governor-General, “to indicate formally the outcome of the election, and to also indicate that, in keeping with our custom, the person who is elected president of our party is also deemed to be the Leader of the Opposition.”