Harold Lovell Returns to Political Arena, Set to Challenge for All Saints West Seat

Former Leader of the United Progressive Party, Harold Lovell, is back in the political race and will contest elections in All Saints West against former UPP member Anthony Smith. Smith, who won that seat on a UPP ticket, left the party and is now Agriculture Minister in the Gatson Browne-led administration.

In a move that reshapes the UPP’s election line-up, Barbara Coates has stepped aside as caretaker for the All Saints West constituency, making way for Lovell.

Last elections, Lovell contested the St John’s City East Constituency against ABLP’s Melford Nicholas and lost by 4 votes.

The announcement came Thursday night, August 7, during a meeting of the ASW Branch that was attended by UPP Political Leader Jamale Pringle, party executives, and prominent constituents. The switch received unanimous endorsement from the branch and influential community members according to a UPP press statement.

Meanwhile Coates, who has served as caretaker for the past year, said the decision followed extensive discussions with her executive and campaign team. She then approached Pringle with the proposal to have Lovell, a long-time ASW resident, take her place.

Lovell, who retired from politics in January 2023, revealed he had been under steady pressure from voters to return. After a great deal of introspection and consultation, he said, he yielded to Coates’ request, and his return was enthusiastically welcomed at the night’s event.

Pringle said Lovell’s return brings a wealth of political experience and proven loyalty to the UPP, even though, he admitted, he had hoped to have him do so in another constituency. MP Pringle expressed confidence that the two sister-constituencies, Lovell’s All Saints West and his All Saints East & St. Luke, would be in the winning column next election.

The political leader also praised Coates for her dedication in keeping the branch together and active over the past year. Further, he said, her decision to concede her position on the slate speaks to Coates’ unselfish nature and is an admirable demonstration of putting the Party ahead of self.

Coates will remain active in the constituency, serving on the branch executive and joining Lovell’s campaign team as the party gears up for the next general election.

United Progressive Party Press Statement: