He has consistently topped the polls in Belize City council elections, but it seems the popular Allan Pollard just can't get a break with his PUP party.

7News is reliably informed that at a National Executive meeting this evening, the party denied Pollard's bid to challenge a sitting PUP area rep and Minister of State,Gilroy Usher in Port Loyola. Despite reported support from Deputy Leader Cordel Hyde, Chairman Henry Usher, Regional leader for the West, Julius Espat and Leader of Government Business, Senator Eamon Courtney - Pollard's candidacy was rejected by the majority of the executive. Most importantly for Gilroy Usher, party leader John Briceno did not support Pollard.

So while Usher is protected from a challenge, there's no such luck for another area rep and minister of state. That's Elvia Vega of Corozal Bay. The party approved the candidacy of Thea Garcia who will challenge her for the seat. Garcia is the daughter of the Prime Minister's CEO, Narda Garcia.

Reports say a challenge to Jorge Millin Espat in Cayo west was also rejected.