Jamaica: It’s official – Opposition Jamaica Labor Party leadership up for grabs as Audley Shaw confirms that he will challenge Andrew Holness

Former Finance Minister Audley Shaw (r) with the then Prime Minister and current opposition leader Andrew Holness. PHOTO/Jamaica Gleaner

Jamaica’s former finance minister Audley Shaw has confirmed that he will challenge former Prime Minister Andrew Holness for the leadership of the opposition Jamaica Labor Party this coming November.

Shaw revealed his intent to vie for party leadership in a letter to both Labor party president Robert Montague, and to Holness.

According to party insiders, many factions within the Jamaica Labor Party were not impressed with Holness’ leadership and are not optimistic that the opposition party under Holness can defeat the popular People’s National Party (PNP) of incumbent Prime Minister Portia Simpson-Miller.

Shaw cited his experience, length of service to the party – which amounts to over two decades and a sluggish economy as his reasons to view for leadership.

Prime Minister Portia Simpson-Miller’s PNP defeated the Jamaica Labor Party in a landslide in the 2011 elections.