Butcher, an educator employed by the government, says he will adhere to the standing orders of the Public Service, which prohibit public officers from engaging in political activities.

According to s.4.16 of the Standing Orders of the Public Service:

“[Public] Officers are expressly forbidden from engaging in party political activity at any time such as:

(a) holding office or taking active part in any political organization;

(b) engaging in publicly in political controversy or publicly criticizing the policy of the Government or individual Ministries;

(c) writing letters to the press, publishing books or articles, circulating leaflets or pamphlets or participating in radio or television broadcast on political matters;

(d) canvassing in support of political parties or in any way publicly supporting or indicating support for any political party or candidate.”

It has long been standard procedure that public officers resign when endorsed by a political organisation to contest elections.

Wrote Butcher on his Facebook page: “This decision was made in full accordance with the Staff Orders governing public service, which require resignation upon acceptance of candidacy for elective office. I remain fully committed to upholding the principles of transparency, integrity, and good governance.”

Meanwhile, the United Workers’ Party’s endorsed candidate for Micoud North, Elisha Norbert, himself also an educator, says he will not yet resign from his post.