Workers’ Party revolt fizzles as Pritam Singh tightens grip on party leadership

SINGAPORE, June 29 — A move to unseat Workers’ Party (WP) chief Pritam Singh has fizzled out behind closed doors as party cadres instead reaffirmed their support for him before he was returned unopposed in internal elections yesterday.

The episode effectively shuts down an internal challenge that had been brewing since a group of disgruntled cadres circulated a petition late last year calling for him to step down over his conviction for lying to Parliament in the Raeesah Khan case, Singapore news outlet The Straits Times reported.

“The party understands that its purpose is to behave in a rational and responsible way, and represent Singaporeans faithfully.

“And if we want to continue to do that, I think we have to close ranks as any reasonable and respectable political party ought to do,”Pritam was quoted as saying.

Aljunied GRC MP Gerald Giam, who chaired the cadres meeting, said Pritam secured “well in excess of a supermajority” support from the party’s inner circle of just over 100 members, describing the discussion as “robust and civil”.

The meeting itself followed months of unease within party ranks after 25 cadres signed a letter in December 2025 questioning Pritam’s leadership, partly linked to his court conviction for lying to a parliamentary committee.

“I’m quite sure they respect the democratic process, as we all do, and the decision was what the cadres decided it ought to be.

“There was a petition, and it was a reflection of how we do things at the party, and I think it’s important for us to speak what’s on our mind, share our values, and that’s what the party did,” Pritam was quoted as saying.

Former WP chief Low Thia Khiang moved to publicly back Pritam ahead of the meeting, effectively dousing speculation that a leadership challenger might emerge from within the party.

According to the daily, what followed was a swift reaffirmation of the current leadership, with WP chair Sylvia Lim also returned to the central executive committee alongside 12 members, most of whom retained their posts.

Citing observers, The Straits Times reported that the outcome points to a decisive preference among cadres for stability over internal reshuffling, even as Pritam’s legal history continues to cast a long shadow over the party.

It also cited some analysts as saying that Pritam’s electoral record – including WP’s strongest-ever showing in the 2025 general election – was a key factor reinforcing his position.

The party, however, still faces lingering questions over accountability processes, after Pritam’s conviction was upheld by the High Court earlier this year, leading to his removal as Opposition leader.