Senior Counsel Anthony Astaphan has cast doubt on the United Progressive Party’s (UPP) decision to welcome back former leader Harold Lovell, who recently announced his intention to contest the All Saints West seat.

Astaphan said he was surprised by Lovell’s return, arguing that the UPP should have turned to “new faces, new voices” to attract younger voters. He criticised the party for clinging to what he described as “an old message” that may no longer resonate with the electorate.

Lovell, who retired from politics in 2023 after a narrow defeat in St John’s City East, said he was persuaded to return following calls from supporters and former caretaker Barbara Coates. Political analyst Peter Wickham has expressed optimism about Lovell’s chances, noting shifting dynamics after Anthony Smith’s departure from the UPP.

But Astaphan questioned Lovell’s track record, recalling his tenure as finance minister during the IMF bailout, and drew a sharp contrast with Prime Minister Gaston Browne’s handling of crises such as the pandemic and Barbuda recovery. He also suggested speculation over Lovell reclaiming leadership would be a test for the party.