Long serving Jamaica Labour Party politician Derrick Smith is to step down from representational and ministerial duties in the coming days.

Smith will be leaving his positions as Member of Parliament for St. Andrew North Western, Leader of Government Business in the Lower House, and Minister without Portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister.

Speaking to Irie FM News this afternoon (Jan 13) Mr. Smith declined to state his reason for stepping down at this time.

Reports are being circulated on social media that Mr. Smith decided to leave active politics, following growing concern from family about his health.

In a tribute tweet, his son, Duane Smith says the senior Smith served for 38 years as parliamentarian, and 29 for the people of St. Andrew North-Western.

Duane expressed pride in having shared the political journey with his father, watching as he announced at the executive meeting that the meeting would be his last.

General Secretary for the Jamaica Labour Party Dr. Horace Chang, told Irie FM News that the party is aware of Mr. Smith’s intention to leave politics, but he has not yet submitted a resignation letter.

Dr. Chang says in the standard course of events, upon receipt of the resignation letter, the Prime Minister would then identify, within party circles, a candidate to run in a by election for the constituency.

He says the Prime Minister would also then decide on how to restructure his Cabinet.

Meantime, the Opposition Peoples National Party has set in motion activities to begin the challenge for the St. Andrew North Western seat, whenever the by election is called.

PNP General Secretary Julian Robinson says the party has already identified a candidate.