The leader of the United Progressive Party (UPP) in Antigua and Barbuda, Harold Lovell has announced his retirement, mere hours of the party’s general elections defeat to th ruling Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party led by Prime Minister Gaston Browne.

In a statement, Lovell announced his retirement from the position effective Friday (January 20). He will be succeeded by Deputy Political Leader Jamale Pringle.

He will remain as an advisor to the Executive and incoming parliamentarians.

Lovell has served as the party leader since 2015 and has been hailed by UPP party members as a “statesman, intellectual and patriot”.

Lovell, who served as a parliamentarian for almost a decade, has occupied the role of Minister of Tourism, as well as Minister of Finance and Economy.