The embattled Zane DeSilva has emerged victorious in a three-way contest to become deputy leader of the Progressive Labour Party.

Mr DeSilva, embroiled still in the Savvy Entertainment loan saga, nevertheless retained the backing of the PLP delegates at St Paul AME Church Hall this evening, as he saw off the challenges of Michael Weeks and Diallo Rabain.

In a tightly contested vote, Mr DeSilva edged out Mr Weeks 71-67 with Mr Rabain having dropped out after the first round.

David Burt, the Premier and party leader, congratulated Mr DeSilva and thanked the other candidates.

“It was a vibrant election,” he said. “We have a strong history and tradition of democracy inside the PLP, and now we will get back to work.”

Mr DeSilva said: “I’d like to thank everyone for their support and their work. We have work to do.

“I think I have a lot of experience; I’ve been in the political arena for 20 years. I’ve spent a lot of time with a lot of different organisations in the country and I’ve spent a lot of time with our people — I know their heartbeat, I know what they feel. I don’t forget where I came from.”

Mr DeSilva would not be drawn on questions regarding his connection to the Savvy loan.

More to follow ...