MANCHESTER, Jamaica – In a move that has sent shockwaves through the political landscape, Audley Shaw, the long-serving Member of Parliament (MP) for Manchester North East, has announced he will not be seeking re-election. Shaw, who has represented the constituency for over three decades, shared the news with Observer Online on Saturday, confirming that his tenure, which began in 1993, will come to an end this term.
“I will not be seeking re-election. I’ve had the honor of serving as MP for Manchester North East for 31 years. It’s been a remarkable journey, and I believe it’s time to step aside,” Shaw shared. He added that his political career had seen significant milestones, surpassing the previous record held by Winston Jones, a member of the People’s National Party (PNP) who served for 25 years.
As Shaw’s political career winds down, all eyes are now on who will succeed him in the upcoming election. Among the potential successors are Hidran McKulsky, the principal of Holmwood Technical High School, and Omar Miller, the Councillor for Craighead Division, both of whom have expressed interest in the seat.
The shift in leadership has sparked conversation within the constituency. Miller, during a tribute at the funeral of former councillor Lerpy ‘Lizzy’ Mitchell, hinted at his intention to take up the mantle. He called for the proper leadership to secure the future of North East Manchester, declaring, “We may have lost the battle, but with the right hands at the helm, we will never lose the war.”
Minutes later, McKulsky also voiced his ambition. “I aspire to serve this community, inspired by the vision, political sharpness, and dedication that Mr. Lizzy exemplified,” he said, aligning himself with Miller’s sentiments on the importance of choosing the right successor.
Reflecting on his storied career, Shaw shared a glimpse into his journey at the 2023 constituency conference. “I’ve enjoyed the journey, and I’ve done my best to serve this community. It continues, and I appreciate your support,” he said, urging constituents to keep him and his fellow representatives in their prayers. Shaw also shared a personal anecdote from his early career, revealing that his first attempt at election in 1989 ended in defeat by just 189 votes, a loss that he humorously described as being at the hands of an undertaker, Calvin Lyn.
Despite his initial setback, Shaw’s political trajectory took a turn for the better, and by 1990, he had won all three divisions in the constituency, solidifying the Jamaica Labour Party’s (JLP) control of the seat. His humorous recollection of negotiating with Lyn after his victory—saying, “You take care of the dead, and I’ll take care of the living”—was met with laughter from the audience.
Now, with the PNP eyeing Manchester North East once again, including the return of Valenton Wint, the competition for the seat remains fierce. Wint, who has previously contested and lost elections in 2011, 2016, and 2020, is set to challenge Shaw’s successor in the upcoming race. Meanwhile, Miller stands out as the only JLP candidate to have won his division in the February 2024 Local Government elections, positioning him as a key contender in the shifting political landscape of the region.
