Has the UDP Boxed Philloughby Out of Port Loyola Convention?

Philip Willoughby

Former four-time U.D.P. city councilor Phillip Willoughby is one of four candidates running in Port Loyola to represent the ruling party as standard bearer in the 2020 general elections.  Along with Attorney General Michael Peyrefitte, former Deputy Mayor Dean Samuels and Shane Castillo, Willoughby was preparing for an upcoming convention in that south side constituency.  But tonight, News Five understands that he has been sidelined once again and is faced with a tough decision, reportedly being asked to step down from his job with the National Emergency Management Organization, NEMO if he decides to proceed with his political ambition.  While we have been unable to speak with Willoughby, News Five also understands that his former City Hall colleague Dean Samuels has been given a cushy position with the Ministry of Human Development as a reward for not running in that division.  This leaves Michael Peyrefitte, the U.D.P.’s favored candidate, virtually unchallenged since Shane Castillo is not as well-known as the other three candidates. Willoughby had already been asked to step aside in Alberts, ahead of the 2015 General Elections where he and former area representative Herman Longsworth made way for Tracey Panton.