The Race Widens for PUP Deputy Leader

The PUP's National Convention is set for February 20th and after all the political upheaval of the past 5 months, it is expected to be more dramatic than the theatrical but, often staid and often staged political pageant. And proof that there will be some blood left on the convention floor came when 7NEWS confirmed with a senior party official that 5 names have been submitted for the two deputy leader posts. The men who would be deputy are: Johnny Briceno, Vildo Marin, Godfrey Smith, Joe Coye and Mike Espat. Currently Briceno is the lead deputy but Vildo Marin, currently party chairman has been campaigning heavily for the post. But now with the addition of the three other names, it becomes a most interesting stew of political ambitions. And more than just politics is at stake; the lead deputy of the party is also usually the Deputy Prime Minister officially the second most powerful man in the country. So if Briceno were to be displaced that would also leave open the post of Deputy Prime Minister. But forseeably, even if Briceno held on to his post as Deputy Leader, he could lose the Deputy Prime Minister post to his co-deputy if he is outperformed in the balloting. It's an interesting situation and one that is expected to play out with feverish behind the scenes campaigning in the next few weeks.