He has been one of the most disgraced politicians in the PUP's past seven years in office, but make no mistake Max Samuels has been a very successful politician in Belize Rural North, winning by a comfortable, even increasing margin in 2003 after being pilloried in the press, cast off by his own party, and put down by the U.S. government. Well despite his unassailable success at the polls, Max Samuels is calling it quits.
The man who replaced Samuels as Deputy Party Leader Godfrey Smith told 7NEWS today that Samuels confirmed to his committee on Saturday that he will not seek re-election. The committee has now endorsed Earl Perez as the new candidate, though Smith says there will still have to be convention.
This certainly adds credence to rumors that another embattled PUP Representative, Ralph Fonseca will not be seeking re-election in the Belize Rural Central Division. Again, this is not confirmed, but according to our sources, Fonseca has indicated to the party that he may step down at the end of this term. Fonseca is another example of a much-criticised Minister who is a hugely successful politician. And even without him running, his seat would have to be considered safe for the PUP.