Vanterpool has left NDP, party confirms

Mark Vanterpool

The National Democratic Party (NDP) has confirmed that former legislator Mark Vanterpool is no longer part of the organisation, following his loss of the party’s chairmanship race.

Outgoing NDP president John Cline said Vanterpool’s departure comes after he failed to secure the party’s top leadership post and subsequently distanced himself from the organisation.

“He’s gone from the party… this is his third time,” Cline said during a public address, adding that Vanterpool’s actions reflected dissatisfaction with the outcome of the democratic process.

Cline maintained that Vanterpool had every right to contest the leadership but not to expect victory.

“It is not his right to win. It’s a democratic process,” he said, noting that more than 100 delegates participated in the April 18 party convention.

The confirmation follows a letter sent by Vanterpool before the elections — and later leaked to BVI News — in which he raised concerns about transparency, fairness, and the selection of delegates.

Cline told BVI News that he did receive the letter and later responded, assuring Vanterpool that delegates were selected in accordance with party rules. 

“Mr Vanterpool’s letter was responded to in line with the constitution of the National Democratic Party,” he told BVI News.

However, in a Facebook address yesterday, Cline rejected suggestions that the delegate selection process was flawed, stating that “none of the prospective candidates have any right or privilege to select delegates,” and describing claims of unfairness as “a bit irresponsible.”

Driven by personal ambition

He also criticised Vanterpool’s reaction to the results, suggesting it was driven by personal ambition.

“It is really a bit selfish on the part of the member to believe that he should be the one to win and if he doesn’t win, then he leaves the room,” Cline said.

Cline further revealed that Vanterpool withdrew tangible support from the party following the loss, including taking back office space he had previously provided for the NDP to operate from. He also outlined Vanterpool’s political history, noting that after first winning with the NDP, he crossed the floor to the Virgin Islands Party, later returned to the NDP, and has since moved in and out of the organisation multiple times.

Cline asserted that these actions cause people to question Vanterpool’s consistency and loyalty. Despite the fallout, Cline insisted the party remains intact and focused on rebuilding.

“The NDP is much bigger than one person,” he said, adding that the organisation will present “a slate of trustworthy candidates… who have the country at heart, not themselves.”

Vanterpool has not publicly responded since the party confirmed his departure, leaving uncertainty about his next political move as the territory moves closer to the 2027 general elections.