Who will lead the UPP?

By Makeida Antonio

There have been reports of in-house grumbling within the United Progressive Party (UPP) about who should be the next leader.

About five people have shown interest in becoming the leader of the UPP; a party that almost unseated the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party at the last general elections.

Jamal Pringle was appointed leader after Harold Lovell resigned, following his defeat at the polls. Sources close to the party say, however, Pringle will be putting up a tough fight to keep that position.

Pearl-Quinn is also a contender for leader, although she was not even given a senatorial position.

Algernon Serpent Watts, the Managing Director of NewsCo Ltd may have popularity on his side with many claiming that he should contest the leadership position.

Watts has said publicly that he is not interested in the position however insiders say he may very well be in the race

All eyes are on Richard Lewis for leadership of the UPP but not if then-leader Harold Lovell has a say. Sources say while Lewis may be the best fit for leadership of the UPP, he may have fallen out of grace with some party hierarchies over a longtime dispute, according to sources.

There is also Sean Bird. His name has come up among those possibly wanting to lead the UPP.

The UPP is expected to hold its delegates convention soon, where a new leader will be selected by ballot.