Political analyst Peter Wickham
Regional Pollster Peter Wickham says the departure of Algernon Serpent Watts from the St. George Constituency would shake the United Progressive Party (UPP) at a sensitive time.
Watts, a first-term MP who won the seat convincingly in the 2023 by-election, has reportedly been weighing his political future. His name was not on the list of candidates announced by UPP Leader Jamale Pringle for the next general elections.
MP Algernon “Serpent” Watts
In fact, the leader said the party is currently seeking a replacement.
Watts had said earlier that he would not contest the next general elections, constitutionally due in 2028. He cited health reasons, but there have been inside rumblings within the UPP, and Watts has not exactly been quiet about his “feelings” toward Pringle.
Wickham told Antigua.news that “If he does leave, it destabilizes the constituency,” Wickham said.
He said, however, while Watts may have won that seat for the UPP “comfortably, he may not necessarily be a strong candidate. “Changing a sitting candidate always has a destabilizing effect.”
He added that the UPP is “not exactly in a good position to start with,” and losing a charismatic incumbent could further weaken the party heading into a general election cycle.
Wickham said any decision by the MP to step away would have to be based on “very compelling reasons,” given his strong electoral base.
Shuggy Simon, Political Leader
Richard Lewis Deputy Leader
Well,well, we’ll! The Winkup is back. This paid,political prostitute, disguised as a pollster, only surfaces when election is imminent.
Winkup is as believable as the DAWG. Let’s just hope it’s not taxpayers footing the bill for this puppet.
Spot on Whickham. Those who know nothing politically will not be able to accept or deduce from the reality. The UPP is even more fragmented.
HMMMMMM Im more interested in who is replacing him on the UPP slate
Mr got what he wanted now he dont need people of st george.
All those who disagree wither Peter Wickham are those who don’t understand the rudiments of politics. Wickham is spot on. If Serpent run in that same constituency again, he will win his seat agaain. He is a popular candidate in that constituency.
Health comes first. If Watts says he can’t continue, people should respect that politics isn’t everything.
Wickham isn’t predicting collapse; he’s warning about perception. In politics, perception often matters more than internal reality.
This is a guy that refused a mother assistance with her child to pay her CXC fees what was of concerned is the rethoric that was said to the mother it became flash news and a punchn the gut today base on that situation and others our PM was moved with compassion for those mothers who are struggling each year to make CXC payments and now will be doing so