St. Anne’s MP Hubert Chipman yesterday became the latest top Free National Movement (FNM) official to recommend the party hold a convention fueling speculation that there is growing dissatisfaction with current Leader Dr. Hubert Minnis.
Mr. Chipman, who spoke with the Bahama Journal, said that Dr. Minnis has his support as leader, though he would not commit to supporting him if he is challenged for that post at the party’s convention.
The FNM last held a conclave in November 2014 at which time Dr. Minnis was challenged by then deputy leader Long Island MP Loretta Butler-Turner.
Despite scoring a decisive victory, Dr. Minnis has repeatedly found himself under scrutiny and reports continue to surface suggesting there is a lack of support for his leadership.
Several senior party officials including former Deputy Prime Ministers Frank Watson and Brent Symonette have both suggested the party hold a convention ahead of the next general election so that all outstanding matters could be resolved including the race for leadership.
Mr. Chipman said he too supports having a convention.
“It will ultimately be the decision of the central council and the leader,” he said. “But with the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) most likely headed into convention in the next several months it seems as though the FNM will have to have either a convention or mini convention.
“The reality is that there have been a lot of broken promises from this current government and there are a lot of people in search of answers and wanting to hear what other ideas are out there as they search for direction.”
Mr. Chipman insists that the FNM is in a good place and shot down questions about any possible rift in the party.
“A convention is more than just about selecting a leader,” he said. “It’s about organisation and presenting the policies of the party, introducing candidates and motivating people. People seem to think it is all about a leadership race but it is so much more than that.
The St. Anne’s MP, who was first elected to the House of Assembly in 2012, said he has no interest in becoming leader of the FNM.
