Vanterpool says leadership split, not lost race, drove NDP exit

Mark Vanterpool has pushed back against suggestions that his recent departure from the National Democratic Party stemmed from losing an internal leadership contest, instead framing the split as rooted in fundamental differences over governance and direction.

Speaking on the inaugural episode of his new party's podcast, The People's Mic, Vanterpool told host Angela Burns that the decision to leave the NDP and establish the People's Leadership Movement centred on broader questions of vision. "It's all about vision. And it's all about leadership. And I have experienced for 20 or 25 years what leadership means," he said.

Vanterpool, who co-founded the NDP and previously served as Communications and Works Minister, acknowledged that some party members felt betrayed by his exit following the April 18 leadership election. Marlon Penn, the Eighth District Representative, won that contest. "I can't blame people for being upset that I moved away, but I think it was the best thing for me, for my supporters, and for the country," Vanterpool said.

He launched the PLM in May.

Reflecting on the NDP's trajectory, Vanterpool credited former Premier Dr D Orlando Smith with steering the party to electoral success but argued that the organisation lost its moorings after 2019. "Unfortunately, the party in my opinion lost its way in 2019," he stated, implying the party's performance might have differed had Smith remained in charge.

Vanterpool also addressed his pattern of switching political homes, saying each move has been guided by what he judges to be in the territory's interest. He pointed to his move to the Virgin Islands Party in the early 2000s, which followed talks over funding for development work in Road Town.

Looking ahead, Vanterpool said his focus is on winning elections for the PLM. He also stressed that politicians should support the sitting government even while disagreeing with it. "Of course you'll criticise. Of course you'll oppose certain things that they will do. But your job is not to trip them up because you won't have political gains," he stated.