New DSPR Chairman Wainwright Lands Prime Ministership after Failed Bid for Presidency, Focuses on Healthcare and Terror Response
William 'Bill' Wainwright, who succeeded former President Arthur Scott as DSPR Chairman two weeks ago, was sworn in as Prime Minister following a coalition deal between the DSPR, CRL, UDPR, and Liberal Parties. Wainwright, a relative unknown until his triumph in the contest to succeed Scott as DSPR Chairman, sought the position of head of government after failing to reach the second round of voting in the presidential election. The result, unusual given the DSPR's successes in recent presidential elections (and in retaining first place in the People's Assembly) was put down to voter's lack of familiarity with Wainwright by figures in the party. The presidency was won by Molly Stonebridge of the CRL, who with backing from the DSPR and Liberals, beat the Whig candidate (backed by the Conservatives and the RDA) by a large margin in the second round of voting.
In a press conference, Wainwright outlined the new government's priorities: 'Our immediate priorities are our response to the terror attack in Bozarland, and the creation of a Health Service, and tax reform.' Pressed on the investigation into the terror incident, Wainright refused to give details, saying that it was too early to speculate. He did, however, take the opportunity to criticise the Whigs' 'point-scoring' over the attack, and their 'attempts to link the attack with the outcome of the election, which they seem to be having some trouble accepting.' The CRL leader and new President, said in her first interview since the election, that ... [continued on page 4]