Following the September 3, 2025, General Election in Jamaica, People’s National Party (PNP) President Mark Golding has publicly confirmed his continued leadership, bolstered by the strong endorsement of 27 out of the party’s 28 elected Members of Parliament (MPs). This development comes after the PNP secured 28 seats in the House of Representatives, a significant gain of 14 seats, though falling short of forming the government against the incumbent Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), which won 35 seats to secure a third consecutive term in office.
Election Outcome and PNP’s Resurgence
The September 3 election saw Prime Minister Andrew Holness and the JLP maintain their majority, but the PNP demonstrated a notable resurgence. Preliminary results indicated the JLP secured 35 seats, while the PNP took 28, a considerable increase from their previous 14 seats in the 2020 general election. Despite the loss, this performance has been interpreted as a positive sign of growth for the opposition party, significantly narrowing the JLP’s previous margin. The PNP has also confirmed it will not be pursuing a magisterial recount for any lost seats, shifting focus to internal consolidation and opposition duties.
Unwavering MP Support for Golding
In a press conference held shortly after the election results became clear, Mark Golding addressed concerns about his leadership and the party’s direction. He announced that 27 of the 28 elected PNP MPs had signed a letter affirming their confidence in his leadership and their support for him to continue as Opposition Leader. Golding clarified that the one MP who had not yet signed was overseas but was expected to do so. He emphasized that his tenure as leader is contingent on the party’s will, stating, “I serve at the pleasure of the party and so as long as the party has confidence in me, I will continue”. This unified front aims to quash any potential internal challenges and foster stability within the party following the election.
Golding’s Path and the PNP’s Vision
Mark Golding, who became PNP President in November 2020 after the party’s 2020 election defeat, has been working to unify the party and present a compelling alternative vision for Jamaica. His leadership before the 2025 election was marked by efforts to rebuild perceived party unity and connect with the electorate. The PNP’s campaign, under Golding’s direction, focused on pledges such as increasing the income tax threshold and eliminating taxes on tips and overtime, aiming to address concerns about the cost of living and economic opportunities for ordinary Jamaicans. The party also launched its manifesto, ‘Mission: Jamaica Love,’ which included ten pillars focused on justice, education, infrastructure, and social welfare.
Looking Ahead: Opposition and Party Renewal
With his leadership reaffirmed by the parliamentary party, Golding is set to lead the PNP in its role as the official Opposition. The party’s immediate focus will be on holding the JLP government accountable and continuing its efforts to rebuild and strengthen its platform for future electoral contests. Analysts note that Golding’s performance in the recent election, despite the loss, has strengthened his position and made a leadership challenge unlikely, as the party has made significant gains. This period is crucial for the PNP to consolidate its gains and strategize for the next election, aiming to leverage the increased public confidence and present itself as a viable alternative for governing Jamaica. The news headlines in Jamaica are now turning towards the implications of this strong opposition bloc.
In conclusion, Mark Golding’s position as PNP leader is secure, underscored by the substantial support from his parliamentary team. The PNP’s increased seat count signals a dynamic political landscape in Jamaica, and the party, under Golding’s continued leadership, appears poised to build on its momentum heading into the future.