The Tribune

By RICARDO WELLS

Tribune Staff Reporter

rwells@tribunemedia.net

DEMOCRATIC National Alliance Deputy Leader Christopher Mortimer yesterday denied social media and tabloid reports that he sat through a series of meetings with Deputy Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis to discuss the possibilities of him joining the governing party before the 2017 general election.

Mr Mortimer, in response to inquiries from The Tribune, said there was “no truth” to the egregious reports being circulated, insisting that his post within the DNA has not been challenged, nor is it threatened.

Mr Mortimer dismissed the reports as “juicy rumours,” which he said were inherent in a political season.

He also said DNA executives and delegates knew “exactly” what his beliefs are.

“There is no truth to meeting with ‘Brave’ this weekend,” Mr Mortimer said. “Juicy rumours are inherent in a political season. I cannot speak to where the rumours are coming from or why they continue to pop up. I suspect that it makes for interesting water cooler debate.

“As for the DNA, we handle it just like we handle every erroneous story. Besides, our executives and delegates know exactly what my beliefs are.”

In 2015 Mr Mortimer denied similar reports which had him severing ties with the DNA in favour of Progressive Liberal Party nomination – a report he later called “a complete untruth.”

Mr Mortimer said previously that he had never considered joining the PLP nor had he ever considered joining the Free National Movement despite being offered opportunities to do so on several occasions.

“I am with the DNA because I choose to be with the DNA and I am not going anywhere,” he said at the time.

The rumours come as talk between the DNA and seven dissenting FNM MPs have ramped up recently.

Last week, new Opposition Leader Loretta Butler-Turner appointed DNA Leader Branville McCartney as her first Senate choice and leader of opposition business in the upper chamber, spurring speculation that the group had negotiated a deal with the third party to offset any potential expulsions from the FNM in the coming weeks.