Walwyn Allegedly Tried To Recruit Turnbull To New Party

Sixth District Representative Myron Walwyn reportedly approached Second District Representative Melvin "Mitch" Turnbull with an offer to leave the National Democratic Party and defect to the People's Leadership Movement together, according to political commentator Claude Skelton Cline.

Skelton Cline made the allegation during a radio broadcast on October 6, saying Walwyn had met with Turnbull and dangled a deputy leadership position in the PLM as an incentive. Turnbull, who currently serves as NDP deputy chairman, declined the proposal, Skelton Cline reported.

"The Member of the Sixth had a meeting with the Member of the Second, trying to convince the Member of the Second that both of them should go over together with the PLM," Skelton Cline alleged. He added that Turnbull was "being promised that he could become the deputy".

Skelton Cline provided no timeline for when the meeting occurred and did not reveal how he obtained the information.

Walwyn's tenure within the NDP has faced mounting scrutiny. He rejoined the party this year after an earlier departure, but lost an April contest for deputy chairman to Turnbull. When previously questioned about his party affiliation, Walwyn offered no comment.

The NDP is scheduled to convene on Thursday, October 8. The party has grappled with internal friction following the exit of former Ninth District candidate Coy Levons and ongoing questions about Walwyn's intentions.

Mark Vanterpool established the PLM after his own exit from the NDP, which followed his loss to Marlon Penn in a leadership contest. Skelton Cline contended that Vanterpool has been recruiting from within NDP ranks to build his new movement, characterising such political manoeuvring as problematic and calling on voters to carefully assess the claims and commitments made by competing political figures.