Manning's letter of resignation

"The General Election of May 2010 did not result in victory for the People’s National Movement.

"As Political Leader I accept full responsibility for this result. I am of the view that the party should in these circumstances now proceed to elect a new political leader in the shortest possible time and in accordance with the party’s constitution.

"To facilitate this process, I hereby resign from the office of Political Leader.

"May I also indicate that if it is the party’s wish I am prepared to stay on as political leader until a new political leader is elected at which time it would be my pleasure to gracefully demit office.

"I was first elected Political Leader on February 8, 1987 and it has really been a pleasure to serve the party these past 23 years.

"I wish to thank the party’s membership for the opportunity to serve at this level and for such a long time.

"I wish also to assure you and through you our party’s membership that I will give full support to the new political leader and would at no time operate in any manner the effect of which would be to bring the party into disrepute.

"Yours in PNM,
Patrick Manning."