People’s National Party member Mark Golding has publicly stated his support for his colleague Peter Bunting in his bid to challenge Party President Dr. Peter Phillips.

Bunting formally announced his candidacy for the party leadership position today, ending months of speculation.

In a social media post Golding stated that both Dr. Phillips and Bunting are his friends.

Golding, however, noted that while Dr. Phillips has made a tremendous contribution to the party and the country, all indications are that Dr. Phillips cannot lead the party to victory in a general election.

He said with a change of leader, the PNP will be in a very competitive position to return to power.

Golding said he believes the party must put itself in the best position to win, and under the leadership of Peter Bunting, who he called a proven winner, the PNP will do just that.

He called on other party members and delegates to also support peter bunting for leader of the PNP.

Golding said under Peter Bunting’s dynamic, effective and strategic leadership, the party can win the next election and resume its noble mission of building the nation on the principles of social justice, equality of opportunity and governance with integrity.