The Supreme Court has ruled in favour of a former finance minister in a legal dispute that could decide the fate of the Progressive Labour Party’s leadership race.

A copy of a civil ruling from the Supreme Court, seen by The Royal Gazette, was issued by Puisne Judge Shade Subair Williams. The document has not been officially made public.

The judgment finds largely in favour of Curtis Dickinson, who is challenging Jason Hayward, the Minister of Economy and Labour, for the leadership of the governing party.

In particular, Mrs Justice Subair Williams has found that no amendment to the PLP constitution adopted after August 31 could allow the party to lawfully limit or remove any membership rights acquired by any individual who obtained or was entitled to obtain membership on or by that date.

It does not prevent the party from using changes to its rules for new applicants whose membership forms came in after that date.

The 85-page document also awards costs to the Dickinson camp, who have been approached for comment by the Gazette, along with the PLP.

This article will be updated as details are received.

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