Joshua Francis removed as UWP Deputy Leader via a no-confidence vote of 180 to 5 by delegates Sunday

At the much anticipated United Workers Party (UWP) delegates conference held in Mahaut on Sunday 24th April 2016, Roseau South MP Joshua Francis was removed as the Deputy Political Leader of the UWP, via a vote of no confidence by the party’s delegates, who overwhelmingly voted 180 against him, and only 5 for him.
Reports indicated that Mr Francis addressed the delegates for about 10 minutes, but his address was not well received. Information indicates that he stated that the action of the delegates was illegal, and spoke of the possibility of taking legal action against the UWP as a consequence.
Francis reportedly walked out of the conference, saying he was repeatedly interrupted by delegates during his speech. The UWP executive had earlier stated that every effort had been made to discuss the party’s request for him to step as deputy political leader, following allegations that he had been associated with inappropriate conduct, but that he had not made himself available.
 
However, UWP Leader Lennox Linton, has consistently made it publicly clear, the honorable thing for Francis to do in the circumstances would be to resign as deputy leader if the party.
 
Q95 will bring you more from the Political leader of the UWP, Mr Lennox Linton, as regards the future direction for the party in the Roseau South Constituency, and also from Mr Joshua Francis himself, as regards his plans regarding the way forward in the constituency, and whether or not he intends to continue as the representative of that constituency or otherwise, after having consultation with his constituents.