DLP ‘mulling fresh face’ for St Philip North

Simon Clarke, a defence lawyer and former national athlete, appears poised to become the Democratic Labour Party’s (DLP) new candidate for St Philip North, potentially replacing his cousin Michael Lashley, Barbados TODAY has learned.

The development comes amidst internal party tension, with the incumbent recently receiving a forfeiture letter citing breaches of the party’s constitution. However, up to late Thursday, the opposition party remained tight-lipped on whether it would have a new candidate in that constituency for the first time in more than two decades.

Over the weekend, Lashley and fellow party member Walter Maloney were issued forfeiture letters citing breaches of the party’s constitution. The letters, dated last Saturday and citing Section 29 of the DLP’s constitution, claim that both forfeited their seats on the party executive council due to several consecutive absences from meetings without prior leave.

A subsequent Barbados TODAY investigation revealed that Clarke was being earmarked for that constituency.

A source close to the developments, who spoke on condition of anonymity, shared “on good authority” that Lashley would not be contesting the seat for the DLP in the next election.

“He is not going to run again . . . . There are a lot of rumours circulating that he will cross the floor but he is still a member of the Democratic Labour Party,” the source said.

When contacted, the senior counsel and top defence lawyer said he was busy with a case and promised to give a statement. None was forthcoming up to the time of publication.

Barbados TODAY also reached out to Clarke, who was last August announced as part of the DLP’s shadow cabinet.

Asked if he was throwing his hat in the ring as a candidate for the constituency, he neither confirmed nor denied the rumours.

“I am not commenting on that. Right now my focus is on being the spokesperson for community development and social welfare,” he said.

Asked if he had a strong grounding in St Philip North, Clarke stated: “I cannot dispute that”.

When contacted, DLP political leader Ralph Thorne declined to comment on the matter.

With two years to go before elections are constitutionally due in January 2027, Thorne was asked to provide details as to when the public could expect a list of candidates from the party.

“No comment,” he told Barbados TODAY.

Lashley has been the candidate for St Philip North since 2003. He won the seat three consecutive times in 2003, 2008 and 2013.

Clarke, a 40-year-old multiple national cycling champion, was admitted to the Bar in 2020 and was formerly employed by Lashley’s law firm. He also played cricket for St Catherine’s Sports Club.

The reliable source who provided information about Clarke’s possible candidacy suggested that despite Lashley’s experience, new blood might be welcomed: “A lot of the old folk that used to vote are dying out. There ain’t that type of die-hard politics like one time. It’s about young people and the people who are neither B or D, it is them you have to look out for. But it is time for young people. If Michael had to go against Simon, I can’t see Michael winning.”

Following the DLP’s decision to issue him a forfeiture letter, questions arose about Lashley’s status in the party as a vice president. At least two of the island’s political pundits, Devaron Bruce and Peter Wickham, questioned if this was an attempt to sideline Lashley – and why, given that he was one of the few DLP members with a strong political influence.

Both contended that Lashley’s role in the party was crucial considering the level of support he garners in St Philip North.

sheriabrathwaite@barbadostoday.bb