Parliamentary representative for All Saints West, Anthony Smith, says he will take legal action against former United Progressive Party (UPP) leader Harold Lovell following allegations made over the weekend.

Lovell claimed that Smith, who left the UPP earlier this year, was offered and accepted $6 million from the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) in exchange for his defection. He said he had evidence of a private phone call in which Smith admitted being approached with the offer.

The former UPP leader further suggested that Smith’s immediate appointment as Minister of Agriculture reinforced suspicions of a deal.

Smith has rejected the allegations, describing them as “baseless” and “malicious.” He insisted he has “never received a red cent” from the ABLP and confirmed he met with his lawyers on Monday morning to initiate proceedings against Lovell.

“I refuse to get involved in the dirty brand of politics Harold Lovell is trying to bring,” Smith said, while reaffirming his denial of any financial inducement.