The PNM’s Parliamentary Caucus is backing Stuart Young to lead when Dr. Keith Rowley steps down as Prime Minister.

Dr. Rowley made the announcement a short while ago, while speaking to the media following a PNM retreat in Tobago this past weekend.

Pennelope Beckles was also considered.

On Friday, Dr Rowley announced that he would step down as Prime Minister before the end of his legal term of office.

He still has not given a date for this move, but said today that it may be “earlier rather than later”.

At the conference, Dr Rowley was also asked about the role of PNM Political Leader, once he steps down.

Also at today’s media conference, the Prime Minister has dismissed calls by the Opposition for National Security Minister Fitzgerald Hinds to be fired.

This story has been updated.