👔 Joey Hew eyes premier position as he takes on PPM leadership

Newly anointed leader of the Progressive National Council, Joey Hew, has expressed his confidence in his party's return to government in the upcoming election. Representing George Town North, Hew was chosen by the party leadership and is expected to be officially voted in as the leader during the party conference in January. In his speech, Hew promised a stable government and collaboration over conflict. He also criticized the current UPM administration and made a number of broad policy commitments, including prioritizing environmental stewardship without halting development. 🌳

Despite ongoing criticism of the current UPM Government, the party's confidence has been boosted by early polling results. Based on a sample of 700 local registered voters, 56% of respondents prefer a candidate from a political party to be their MP, compared to just 20% who favor an independent. However, the electorate still gave the UPM Government a 53% overall approval rating. The Progressives also said the poll found that, of those who have already decided who they would vote for, 61% indicated they would support a Progressives candidate. The party has committed to running PPM candidates in all 19 constituencies. 📊

Despite handing over the leadership to Hew, Roy McTaggart has said he will be running to retain his seat in GTE. Both Sir Alden McLaughlin (RED) and Moses Kirkconnell (CBW&LC) have indicated their intention to retire, though neither has officially confirmed this. In his speech, McTaggart said there was a solid foundation for the road ahead based on the polling, even though the party could be seeking another 15 candidates to run on the PPM ticket. 🗳️