Panton Submits Application for UDP Party Leader

Leader of the Opposition Tracy Taegar Panton has officially thrown her hat into the ring for the post of Party Leader of the United Democratic Party (UDP).

In a letter dated October 31, 2025, and addressed to UDP Chairman of the Nominations Committee, Sergio Chuc, Panton confirmed that she has submitted her formal application in accordance with Article 9 of the UDP Constitution (Revised Edition 2016). The leadership post will be decided at the Party’s upcoming National Leadership Convention, scheduled for Sunday, November 30, 2025.

Panton, who currently represents the Albert constituency in the House of Representatives, said she is seeking to lead the UDP at what she described as a pivotal time for the party. She said her decades-long public service career and her dedication to the UDP’s founding values.

“I believe my record of impeccable integrity, service to Belize for over 35 years, and unwavering commitment to the founding values and principles of the Party make me uniquely qualified to lead,” she wrote.

Panton noted that she has the unanimous support of the other four UDP Area Representatives and three Senators appointed for the current 2025–2030 parliamentary term.

Her application comes as the UDP prepares for what is expected to be a closely watched leadership convention, amid calls within the party for renewal and unity.