TRINIDAD-Young resigns as chairman of PNM.

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, CMC -Outgoing prime minister Stuart Young submitted his resignation as chairman of the People’s National Movement (PNM) on Wednesday following the party’s resounding defeat in Monday’s general election.

In a letter to Foster Cummings, the PNM chairman, Young 50, who replaced Dr. Keith Rowley as prime minister last month, said his resignation is “effective immediately.”

“I thank my party’s membership for the opportunity to have served as Chairman from December 2022 to date. I am committed to continuing to advocate our cause and hold the opposition accountable on behalf of my constituents, my party, and the citizens in the parliament as we move forward,” he said.
Stuart Young

The senior counsel, who called the general election one day after he had been sworn in as the head of government, said he had always “served the party with a sense of pride coupled with an acknowledgment of the responsibility that representation comes with.

“After deep personal reflections on events culminating with the results of the 2025 General Elections, I hereby tender my resignation as chairman of the PNM, with immediate effect”.

Young’s decision follows Rowley’s statement on Wednesday that he intends to tender his resignation as the PNM leader during the party’s General Council meeting later that day.

“On January 06, 2025, I indicated my intention to step down as Political Leader of the People’s National Movement with the party holding a convention to elect a new Political Leader in September,” Rowley wrote in a statement on his Facebook page.

On his last day as prime minister in March, he informed the country that “although my term as Political Leader legally runs until 2026, I intended to vacate this position at the earliest opportunity in consultation with the Leadership of the Movement.

“Today I will address the General Council and tender my resignation as Political Leader of the People’s National Movement, which will take effect from tomorrow – Thursday 01 May 2025,” he said, adding, “This completes my disengagement firstly in the Government (March 16, 2025) and finally, in the party, (May 01, 2025).”

“I offer my sincere thanks to all for the opportunity to serve in the various offices. I extend my best wishes to the PNM and the nation,” he added.

On Wednesday, the PNM is also expected to name the Opposition Leader from among the 13 opposition legislators.