Government walks out on no-confidence vote

The government staged a walkout from the House of Assembly (HOA) last night, just ahead of the Opposition’s planned no-confidence vote.

Just before midnight, the House was about to resume following a short recess when government members, including Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley, were seen heading for the exit. Opposition Leader Ronnie Skelton proceeded to read his motion but was interrupted by House Speaker Corine George-Massicote. “I’m sorry, Leader of the Opposition, it has been brought to my attention that there is no quorum,” the Speaker stated.

Communications and Works Minister Kye Rymer was the only government member who returned to his seat before the Speaker attempted to summon other government members into the well of the House. Opposition members exchanged words with Rymer, urging him to join their ranks, as the HOA’s Sergeant-at-Arms left to summon the other government members.

Once the Sergeant returned empty-handed, the Speaker counted the remaining members and determined that only six were present in the House at that time—five Opposition members, with Eighth District Representative Marlon Penn absent, and one government member, Rymer. These numbers proved insufficient to meet the quorum requirements. “Given that we do not have a quorum of seven members present, I have no other choice but to adjourn this House,” the Speaker said. “This House is therefore adjourned until the 11th day of November, 2024.”