It's official - Penny vs Rowley in battle to lead PNM

Pennelope Beckles-Robinson met privately Friday with Keith Rowley at the Parliament Building to officially tell him that she would be running against him for the leadership of the People's National Movement (PNM) May 18. 

She spoke with Newsday during the tea break of the House of Representatives. "I met with him this evening. Quite frankly, the reason for not making my announcement was because I thought it was important to talk to him personally," she told the paper. 

News of the challenge to Rowley emerged earlier this week but Beckles-Robinson did not confirm it. She said she wanted to tell Rowley before making any public announcement.

She said now that she had advised her leader of her intentions she will issue a media release announced her decision to run in the election and "make myself available to the press next week.” 

For the first time in its history the PNM is holding such an election using a one-member, one-vote system. And it is also the first time a woman is running for leader. The PNM's founding leader used to described female ministers as his "kitchen cabinet". 

Anyone who becomes as member of the PNM by February 28 would be eligible to vote. Nomination Day is March 14.