MP George Wright to withdraw from JLP Parliamentary Caucus, apply for leave of absence from Parliament

Embattled Member of Parliament George Wright is to withdraw from the Jamaica Labour Party's (JLP) Parliamentary caucus.

Wright is to also apply to take leave of absence from the House of Representatives.

This after a meeting was convened with the party's Parliamentary Caucus last evening following an earlier meeting involving Wright and the party's General Secretary Dr Horace Chang.

Wright is alleged to be the man seen assaulting a woman in a video which has gone viral.

“Mr Wright will withdraw from the Government Parliamentary caucus in light of unresolved allegations circulating in the public domain which are causing deep concern to many Jamaicans and the Jamaica Labour Party, including its Parliamentarians.  This means that Mr Wright's status in Parliament would be that of an independent member,” the JLP said in a statement.

It added: “The Government caucus also discussed the issue of Mr Wright's attendance in Parliament, and concluded that he should also be encouraged to apply to the Speaker for leave of absence from sittings of the House of Representatives until the allegations in the public domain are resolved.” 

The JLP said Chang has advised that the requisite organs of the party would promptly meet to discuss the matter of Wright's membership in the JLP within the rules of the party and to determine the next steps.

According to the statement, Prime Minister Andrew Holness noted that, “Violence and abuse is endemic in our society and at epidemic levels. The Government and party must demonstrate clearly that any act of violence must be unequivocally condemned and totally rejected. As we lead a national campaign against violence, it is important that our national leaders have the credibility and confidence of the people as we ask them to change their behaviours and attitudes.”

Wright provided police investigators with a statement on Wednesday after having previously reporting to them that he had been attacked by a woman.

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