Manning, the widow of former Prime Minister Patrick Manning and mother of San Fernando East MP Brian Manning, is expected to contest the constituency executive election, which is due to be held by September. The move follows the resignation of at least four of the executive’s 12 members, including its vice chairman. The departures came after tensions grew over concerns raised by Brian Manning about the constituency executive and a subsequent statement issued by the executive that criticized the MP.

The PNM’s national leadership has begun meeting with the San Fernando East executive as it seeks to contain the dispute. Party Chairman Marvin Gonzales has said the leadership is committed to working with Manning, constituency chair Patricia Alexis and other members to resolve the issues, while party officials have indicated that recommendations from an internal review are being implemented. San Fernando East has long been a significant PNM constituency, having been represented for decades by Patrick Manning, and the current dispute comes as the party works to rebuild following its 2025 general election defeat.