UPP MPs Sought to Replace Pringle With Lewis as Opposition Leader, Letter Apparently Signed By Simon Shows

A letter circulating during the 2026 election campaign appears to show that opposition MPs moved to replace United Progressive Party (UPP) political leader Jamale Pringle as Leader of the Opposition in favour of Richard Lewis.

The document, addressed to Governor General Sir Rodney Williams, states that the “undersigned Opposition Members of Parliament” supported Lewis, the MP for St John’s Rural West, to assume the role.

It claims Lewis “commands majority support in the Lower House of Parliament within the grouping of UPP-aligned parliamentarians,” and asks for his immediate appointment as Opposition Leader.

The letter cites Section 79(5) of the Constitution, noting that the Governor General may remove a Leader of the Opposition if it appears they no longer command majority support among members who oppose the government.

“We therefore request… that you implement this change of Leader of the Opposition with immediate effect,” the letter states.

It further asserts that the signatories represented “the majority within the largest Opposition bloc in the Lower House,” identified as six MPs aligned with the UPP.

The document appears to be linked to former St Mary’s South MP Kelvin “Shugy” Simon, whose name and constituency details are shown on the correspondence.

The development points to internal divisions within the UPP over leadership, an issue that has surfaced periodically in recent years amid debates about the party’s direction and electoral strength. (Antigua News Room)

Under Antigua and Barbuda’s Constitution, the Governor General appoints the Leader of the Opposition based on who is most likely to command the support of the majority of non-government MPs. (Wikipedia)

Pringle has held the position since 2018.

The timing of the letter — now emerging during an active election campaign — is likely to intensify scrutiny of unity within the opposition as voters head to the polls.

Advertise with the mоѕt vіѕіtеd nеwѕ ѕіtе іn Antigua!
We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages.
Contact us at [email protected]