Workers’ Party secretary-general Pritam Singh secured his leadership on June 28 after surviving a vote of no confidence and being re-elected unopposed. According to party sources, 82 of 106 cadres voted for Singh to remain leader, signaling party unity following his conviction for lying to Parliament.
Why did Pritam Singh face a leadership challenge?
A group of party cadres triggered a special conference to hold Singh accountable for his conviction regarding lying to Parliament. This legal matter originated from the 2021 Raeesah Khan saga, in which the former Sengkang GRC MP fabricated an account of police mistreatment. The Parliament’s Committee of Privileges found that Singh played a part in prolonging Khan’s lie.
Singh was subsequently charged and convicted in court. The High Court upheld the guilty verdict on appeal in December 2025. Following the conviction, the House deemed Singh unsuitable to continue as Leader of the Opposition, leading Prime Minister Lawrence Wong to remove him from the post.
Since he was voted in as secretary-general of the opposition party in 2018, Singh had returned unopposed in every single party election.
What were the results of the leadership votes?
Singh participated in two meetings on Sunday. He first faced a vote of no confidence called by a group of unhappy cadres. Party sources reported that 82 of the 106 cadres present voted for Singh to remain the party leader. Singh did not cast a vote himself during this process.
Following the first vote, the party held its biennial election to choose its leaders. Singh returned unopposed as the party secretary-general. Although the group of cadres had lobbied for a challenger to step forward, they were unable to convince anyone to run for the position.
By closing ranks behind Singh, the Workers’ Party has prioritized internal stability and leadership continuity. This move effectively settles internal rifts that often destabilize opposition parties.
What are the future implications for the Workers’ Party?
The outcome concludes the period of uncertainty that has affected the party since 2021. The party’s leadership, including former chief Low Thia Khiang, has expressed support for Singh. Party chair Sylvia Lim noted that the organization is now focusing on leadership renewal, stating that the party is “very conscious” of its importance.
As the Workers’ Party aims to capture one-third of the seats in Parliament, its political strategy may face new pressures. While the party expanded its footprint with two Non-Constituency MP seats during the May 2025 general election, analysts suggest that future growth may depend on winning over risk-averse, middle-ground voters. These voters are likely to demand high standards of integrity and accountability from both sides of the political aisle.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many cadres voted for Pritam Singh to remain leader?
According to party sources, 82 of the 106 cadres voted for Singh to remain as the leader.
What led to Singh’s conviction in court?
Singh was convicted of lying to Parliament in relation to the fabrication of accounts by former MP Raeesah Khan regarding police mistreatment.
What is the Workers’ Party’s current focus?
The party is focusing on parliamentary work to increase its national profile and is working on leadership renewal.
How will the Workers’ Party balance internal unity with the expectations of new voters?
