Leighton to resign amid no confidence motion
Thursday, 9 June 2011
by Jeff Briggs
NF Daily
LAMARE — Yesterday's opposition triggered vote of no confidence passing has left the Conservative Party in chaos as Governor Béatrice Carré is calling for the immediate resignation of First Minister Leighton.
The First Minister, who on tuesday was rocked by a series of graft allegations involving the disappearance of funds of up to ε3.5 million from the Masfel Nuclear Power Plant project, has been given a midnight deadline to turn in his resignation letter before Governor Carré calls an election despite one scheduled in August. Meanwhile, the Conservative Party is scrambling to come up with another name who will try to form a new government.
In determining whether another MP can command the confidence of parliament, the head of state (Carré) examines whether that individual has the backing of a parliamentary party, a coalition of parties and MPs, or an agreement of support with enough parliamentary seats to withstand any confidence challenges against them during today's hearing. If this cannot be done, parliament will be dissolved and a general election will be called.
Most political analysts strongly believe the biggest contender to replace Leighton is none other than Clair Allard, the 35-year old representing Naudin 3rd District. In the midst of the scandal, Minister of Energy Paul Dalton resigned from his office hours after yesterday's motion was passed. (update)