MANCHESTER, Jamaica – The political landscape of North East Manchester is on the brink of transformation as veteran Member of Parliament Audley Shaw announces his retirement from representational politics. After 31 years in Parliament, Shaw’s departure not only marks the end of an era but sets the stage for an intense battle over who will inherit the political reins.
Shaw, the longest-serving MP in Manchester’s history, officially confirmed his decision not to seek re-election during a WhatsApp interview on Saturday. “I’ve served 31 years as of March 30 this year. Winston Jones of the PNP had the record before me with 25 years, and I’ve surpassed him by six,” Shaw shared, a day ahead of his constituency’s conference.
As Shaw steps back, two prominent figures have emerged as potential successors: Hidran McKulsky, principal of Holmwood Technical High School, and Omar Miller, councillor for the Craighead Division.
The Battle for Succession
Both aspirants made their ambitions clear in separate speeches over the weekend, signaling the start of what promises to be a heated race. At the funeral service for former Walderston Division councillor Lerpy ‘Lizzy’ Mitchell, Miller hinted at his intention to take up Shaw’s mantle. “If North East Manchester is placed in the right hands, we will never lose the war,” Miller declared, drawing cheers from the audience.
Not to be outdone, McKulsky used his moment at the podium to outline his vision. “As someone who aspires to serve in government, I will carry forward Mr. Lizzy’s legacy of vision, political astuteness, and servanthood,” McKulsky said, aligning himself with Shaw’s ethos while subtly vying for endorsement.
Shaw’s Legacy and Reflections
Shaw, reflecting on his storied career, recounted his early political struggles and eventual triumphs. After losing his first election in 1989 to PNP’s Calvin Lyn by a narrow margin, Shaw rebounded to establish dominance in the constituency. “I told Calvin, ‘You take care of the dead, and I’ll take care of the living,’” Shaw joked, recalling a conversation that underscored his determination to lead.
Under Shaw’s leadership, the JLP cemented its hold on Manchester North East, winning all three divisions—Christiana, Walderston, and Craighead. However, the PNP, led by Valenton Wint, is poised to challenge for the seat once more. Despite Wint’s repeated defeats to Shaw and other JLP candidates in past elections, the shifting dynamics could breathe new life into the opposition’s efforts.
A Defining Moment for Manchester North East
As Shaw prepares to bid farewell, his influence and the constituency’s future hang in the balance. Whether he will endorse a successor at the constituency conference remains uncertain, but his decision will likely play a pivotal role in shaping the political narrative.
For the people of North East Manchester, Shaw’s departure marks the end of a remarkable chapter and the beginning of a critical turning point. With both McKulsky and Miller eager to claim the spotlight, the stage is set for a showdown that will define the region’s political future.
