“Let’s Talk, Richard”: Browne Leaves Door Open for Lewis to Join ABLP
Prime Minister renews his invitation for Richard Lewis to join the ABLP, with no indication the former UPP MP intends to accept.
Former opposition MP Richard Lewis is being offered a place in the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party, with Prime Minister Gaston Browne publicly encouraging him to discuss a move.
“I’ll still take you, so let’s talk,” Browne said, addressing the former United Progressive Party representative for St John’s Rural West.
“Let’s talk, Richard. Let’s talk,” he added.
Browne’s remarks suggested he believed Lewis had passed up an earlier opportunity to bring his political experience to the governing party. His latest invitation, however, leaves that possibility open.
Lewis lost his parliamentary seat to Labour’s Michael Joseph in the April 2026 general election. He had also previously contested the UPP leadership against Jamale Pringle.
A move by Lewis would follow the departure of several other prominent figures from the opposition party, although their subsequent electoral fortunes have differed.
Anthony Smith Jr left the UPP in 2024 and entered Browne’s Cabinet before successfully defending All Saints West as an ABLP candidate in April. Dwayne George won St Mary’s South for Labour, while Lamin Newton failed to unseat Pringle in All Saints East and St Luke.
For now, the invitation remains Browne’s public overture. Lewis has given no indication that he plans to accept it.
This story was first published by Antigua News on : antigua.news/2026/11/08/let-s-talk-richard-browne-leaves-door-open-for-lewis-to-join-ablp. © 2026 Antigua News. Republication without permission is not allowed.
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