Councillor caught on sex tape heading back to the polls

Despite a sex video that went viral last March, Uphell Purcell, the People's National Party's councillor for the York Town Division in the Clarendon Municipal Corporation, is set to run in the upcoming local government elections.

The next local government elections are due by February 28, and Purcell is eager to contest the polls.

"I am running. The response from the people is good and has never been less than good. I am looking forward to the local government elections 100 per cent and I will be going out there to represent my people as normal," he said.

In the 64-second sex tape footage, which is a recording from a video call, a nude Purcell is seen pleasuring and positioning himself for the other person on the video call. An emoji was used to conceal the identity of the other party on the video call. Addressing the impact of the viral video, Purcell maintained that it has not affected his position, emphasising that he sees himself as a victim.

He stated, "It has not affected me because it was not me who did something. It could have happened to anybody, so it has nothing to do with the public. People are saying 'Look, that did not happen by you' and that basically 'Somebody do you something [so] you are a victim'."

Purcell has been the councillor for the division since 1998. He is adamant that he has never received support from any member of parliament (MP) for the Clarendon South West constituency, in which the division lies. He said that he has always run his elections on his own.

"I do my thing as I should. I run my elections and win them," he said. "The fact of the matter is that I represent my people and represent them exceptionally well."

Looking back at his accomplishments, Purcell highlighted major projects, including the Foga Road Infant School and other schools in Clarendon, underscoring his commitment to improving the division and the lives of its residents