Prime Minister Gaston Browne says the United Progressive Party could face a split as internal tensions grow following the party’s heavy defeat in the April 30 general election.

Speaking on Pointe FM, Browne suggested that dissatisfaction within the opposition over leadership and recent Senate appointments could eventually lead to the formation of a new political movement outside the UPP.

“I understand that they have plans to start a new party,” Browne said during the discussion on the future of the opposition.

The prime minister claimed some individuals within the opposition now view the UPP as politically weakened.

“What is going to happen is that those individuals are going to coalesce and they’re going to see the UPP as a damaged brand and form a new party,” Browne said.

Browne also questioned whether Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle would be able to maintain unity within the party.

“To hold the UPP together, it’s unlikely that Pringle can hold the party together, and they’re likely to splinter and create a new institution,” Browne said.

The prime minister compared the situation to divisions that once emerged within the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party after he became leader, noting that breakaway political groups formed at the time but ultimately failed to replace the party.

The UPP secured only one parliamentary seat in the April 30 election, with Pringle retaining the All Saints East and St. Luke constituency.

The opposition party has not publicly responded to Browne’s remarks.