Member of Parliament for St. John's Rural West, Richard Lewis, says the United Progressive Party (UPP) remains confident heading into the next general election, despite public speculation about internal divisions within the party.
According to Antigua News Room, Lewis made the remarks during an appearance on Observer AM, where he acknowledged concerns about party cohesion but insisted those matters are being handled away from public view.
"The perceived issues that the UPP is facing, we are dealing with our issues in-house," Lewis said.
The MP stressed that unity is central to the party's electoral strategy, with a general election expected within months. "We understand that unity is strength. We understand that elections are imminent," he said.
Lewis argued that internal disagreements are common across political parties and should not be aired publicly. "Every political party has its issues. The thing is, you trash them out behind closed doors, you don't bring them to the public domain," he said.
He confirmed his own participation in those private discussions. "So whatever it is, as other political parties do, I contribute to the… thrashing out behind closed doors," Lewis added.
Despite the acknowledged tensions, Lewis expressed confidence in the UPP's electoral preparedness. "I'm quite confident that we are putting things in place to ensure that we win the next general elections," he said.
Lewis also took aim at the incumbent Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP), arguing that public dissatisfaction with the governing party works in the UPP's favour. "We know that the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party is very unpopular, and we just have to come with the correct message to the people," he said.
His comments come amid heightened political activity from both major parties as they intensify preparations for what is widely expected to be a closely contested general election.
