More UDP Drama Unfolds Over Leadership

Fresh drama is unfolding in the U.D.P. as ousted Mesopotamia Area Representative Moses “Shyne” Barrow insists he’s still the party leader. In a letter dated Wednesday, Barrow addressed the “U.D.P. faithful,” stating he feels compelled to continue as leader until the next National Convention, as originally planned. He wrote, quote, after speaking with many of you and seeing how our beloved U.D.P. has gone dormant, with no attempt at unity, no compliance with the Party Constitution, no adherence to procedures and structures of the Party, no vision or resources to take the Party forward, I am compelled to accept your call for me to continue as Party Leader, end quote. Barrow further stated that under his leadership, the U.D.P. will push for a reform agenda, including necessary Constitutional amendments to rebuild the party. He claims his term doesn’t expire until the convention later this year. Notably, he had resigned as party leader five days after losing his seat in the March twelfth general election, handing over to Deputy Party Leader Hugo Patt, who then yielded to Tracy Panton as the rightful leader. While Panton subtly responded to Barrow’s claim on Facebook, today, an official press release from the U.D.P. squarely addressed the contents of Barrow’s letter. The release states that Barrow is not authorized to act, speak, or conduct any business on behalf of the U.D.P. in any official capacity. It reiterates that Barrow no longer holds any leadership or executive role within the party and that any reference by him to the titles “Honorable,” “Leader of the Opposition,” or “Party Leader” is inaccurate and misleading because he is not an official voice or face of the party. The release states in part, quote, Specifically, Mr. Barrow is not authorized to solicit or accept donations—whether in cash or kind—on behalf of the U.D.P. or as a representative of the Mesopotamia constituency. Any such representations are unauthorized and should be reported to the Party Secretariat, unquote. Meanwhile, Panton will lead the U.D.P. at its first press conference since the general elections next Tuesday to discuss matters of national importance.