United Democratic Front (UDF) has denied firing honourable Lilian Patel, Mangochi South legislator, as the party leader in the August House.

Last week, UDF President Atupele Muluzi reshuffled the party’s leadership by appointing Ned Poya as UDF leader in Parliament replacing Patel.

The party also proposed Machinga East legislator Esther Jolobala to serve in the Parliamentary Service Commission but she was rejected in Parliament.

Speaking to the press UDF Acting Spokesperson Yusuf Mwawa said the party never fired Patel.

Mwawa said Patel personally stated that she would not take up the position; hence, the party settled for Zomba Ntonya legislator Ned Poya as UDF leader in Parliament.

Effort to talk to Patel proved futile.