Prime Minister Gaston Browne says Agriculture Minister Anthony Smith has not yet formally applied to join the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP), but is expected to do so soon.

Browne confirmed that Smith will contest the next general election on the ABLP ticket, cementing a political shift that has been widely anticipated.

Although Smith still identifies as an independent MP, his alignment with the governing party has been evident since leaving the United Progressive Party (UPP) in July 2024. He has since served in Cabinet, participated in ABLP activities, and backed government positions in Parliament.