Newby’s return falls short as Azan flips Clarendon seat

Warren Newby’s ambition of returning to the political frontlines after years out of the spotlight was dealt a major blow yesterday after he suffered defeat at the hands of the People’s National Party (PNP’s) Richard Azan in Clarendon North Western.

Azan polled 6,989 votes to Newby’s 6,490 to flip a constituency that went green in 2020. It marked his third win in the constituency in five elections, having previously won in 2002, 2011 and 2016. He lost in 2007 and 2020.

The loss could spell devastation for the career of Newby, who had only months to mount a political campaign. He was became the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP)’s standard-bearer after winning an internal election in March to represent the constituency that residents say was neglected by their member of Parliament, Phillip Henriques.

Newby has served as campaign manager for three JLP parliamentarians, including Michael Stern, who defeated Richard Azan in the 2007 general election, Gregory Mair in St Catherine North East, and Zavia Mayne St Ann South West.

He also served as senator and a junior minister under former Prime Minister Bruce Golding. His bid for Gordon House follows a period of perceived sidelining after backing Audley Shaw in the 2013 leadership challenge against Prime Minister Andrew Holness.

Clarendon North West has long been one of Jamaica’s most unpredictable battlegrounds, with the seat swinging between the two major parties for more than four decades. Since 1980, voters have never allowed either side to rest easy.

The JLP secured victory in 1980 though Edwin Allen, and again in 1997 with Cliff Stone. Michael Stern won the seat for the party in 2007, and Phillip Henriques in 2020.

The PNP has had its share of triumphs, winning with Carl Marshall in 1989 and 1993, and later with Azan in 2002, 2011, and 2016.