Don’t get too comfortable with new majority, Premier told

Radio host and clergyman Claude Skelton Cline has cautioned Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley not to become complacent with his government’s new majority of eight lawmakers in the House of Assembly.

Appearing on his Honestly Speaking show this week, Skelton Cline warned that the government’s stability remains uncertain.

He argued that although the recent return of Territorial At-Large member Lorna Smith to the government side appears to strengthen the administration, it should not be mistaken for security.

“I know you think it brings you stability. I don’t know that that’s the case. I know that’s what you think. But you need to have a come-to-Jesus meeting with all of them, and you make it known to all of them, I fired before, and I’ll fire again,” Skelton Cline stated.

He stressed that the Premier must not allow internal disagreements to destabilise his government. Skelton Cline recommended that the Premier take firm control of his team to avoid disruptions.

“Tell them that they cannot be a disrupter. But, Premier, you will have to listen to some wise counsel too. I keep saying to you, you need help. But you need the right help,” he said.

Skelton Cline acknowledged the recent move to bring Smith back into the government as a positive one but questioned the extent of the concessions made.

“The At-Large member is a good move for what she does. You don’t need to give as much as you gave her. You had far more leverage than she did. But you did what you did,” he stated.

He added that the true priority should be ensuring the government functions effectively for the benefit of the people, regardless of political affiliations.

“It doesn’t matter to me, VIP, NDP, PVIM, PUNOP. You know what matters to me? I want whoever the government is to work. That’s what the citizens of this country deserve. Even if we didn’t vote for you, we want whichever government is sitting to work. We no longer have the luxury of dysfunctional governments,” Skelton Cline asserted.

The clergyman’s remarks come amid ongoing political shifts within the House of Assembly, with opposition members also grappling with internal dynamics. Skelton Cline warned that political stability is crucial to addressing the territory’s pressing issues.