On the afternoon of Wednesday, March 5th, 2025, at Government House in Old Ta, the Honourable Ellis L. Webster, M.D. was appointed as the Leader of the Opposition in the Anguilla House of Assembly to serve alongside two other parliamentarians, namely the Honourable Haydn Hughes and the Honourable Merrick Richardson.
Many of the Anguilla Progressive Movement (APM) supporters and well-wishers were on hand at the Executive Council Chambers to witness the official appointment. The actual swearing in of the three as Opposition members will subsequently take place in the House of Assembly.
Last Wednesday, the APM suffered a resounding defeat by the Anguilla United Front (AUF) faction, which won the general election by garnering an impressive total of eight seats. The APM secured only three seats, thus having their place relegated to the opposition benches of the House.
The districts represented by these three Opposition parliamentarians are: District 1 – Island Harbour and Welches, represented by former Premier, Ellis L. Webster; District 5 –North Hill and Northern South Hill, represented by Mr. Merrick Richardson; and District 6 – Blowing Point and Southern South Hill, represented by Mr. Haydn Hughes.
In an exclusive statement given to The Anguillian by former Premier Webster, he insisted that as members of the Opposition, the trio will not only represent their individual districts, but they will in essence advocate in the affairs of all Anguillians at large.
“As leader of the Opposition, I will be heading a strong team including Mr. Haydn Hughes and Mr. Merrick Richardson,” Dr. Webster claimed. “Our plan is to represent the people of District 1, 5 and 6, but, of course, we will also represent the people of Anguilla in general from the Opposition side of the House, ensuring that we hold the Government to account in terms of prudent management of the ‘people’s purse’. We will also ensure that policies and legislation are executed fairly, holding the interest and wellbeing of the people of Anguilla at heart.”
Dr. Webster said that as the Chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), he will be responsible for looking into areas that would enhance and benefit the people of Anguilla. “As Chair of this committee, I will seek to ensure that the finances and affairs of the country are well managed,” Dr. Webster stressed.
