In a surprising political shakeup that has sent ripples through Antigua and Barbuda’s electoral landscape, high-profile politician Billy, widely known by his nickname ‘King Warrior’ and a decorated figure within local political circles, has announced he is cutting ties with the United Progressive Party (UPP) to throw his full support behind independent candidate Lamin Newton in the upcoming race for the All Saints East & St. Luke constituency.
The defection marks one of the most high-profile party switches in the lead-up to the constituency’s election, drawing immediate attention from political observers and voters across the region. Billy’s decision to abandon his former party came as he cited growing ideological misalignment with UPP’s current policy priorities and a belief that Newton’s vision for the constituency better addresses the unmet needs of local residents.
Footage of Billy’s official endorsement event, where he formally introduced Newton to a crowd of assembled supporters, has been released to the public, giving voters a first look at the newly formed political alliance. During the event, Billy emphasized his track record of community advocacy in All Saints East & St. Luke, framing his endorsement as a move rooted in what he calls ‘the best interest of the people who have trusted me for decades.’
For his part, Newton welcomed Billy’s backing, noting that the award-winning politician’s on-the-ground experience and deep connections to local communities will be a major boost to his campaign. Political analysts say the switch could reshape voter intentions in the competitive constituency, where UPP has long held a significant foothold. The shift leaves UPP grappling with unexpected instability in its candidate roster for the district, as it works to consolidate support ahead of polling day. For Newton, the addition of Billy’s political capital transforms what was once seen as a long-shot independent bid into a more competitive contest, forcing both major parties to reassess their campaign strategies for the area.