By Belize Live News Staff: Former UDP leader Moses “Shyne” Barrow is publicly backing Darrell Bradley for the leadership of the United Democratic Party.
Barrow made his position clear Thursday morning in a Facebook post headlined, “READ THE ROOM! DARRELL BRADLEY FOR UDP LEADER!”
His statement included a direct attack on Tracy Taegar Panton’s leadership, with Barrow claiming she has been unable to unite the opposition party and has lost the confidence of some former supporters.
Barrow also referred to recent resignations from the UDP leadership structure. Panton addressed the departure of executive members Juliet Thimbriel and Audrey Wallace in August, saying at the time that their resignations were not the result of internal tensions.
Barrow said he does not need to return as party leader himself and would instead support Bradley.
Bradley has also indicated an interest in the position. Speaking recently about the UDP leadership, he said that if a vacancy emerged, he would be prepared to take it. However, Bradley said he is not presently challenging Panton and described his relationship with her as cordial.
Bradley also acknowledged being in frequent communication with Barrow but rejected suggestions that he is aligned with one UDP faction against another.
Barrow’s endorsement now places Bradley more directly at the centre of the public conversation over the UDP’s future.
