UWP Council rejects Allen Chastanet’s resignation following St. Lucia election defeat

For the second time in four years, the United Workers Party’s (UWP) National Council has declined to accept a resignation from its political leader, Allen Chastanet, opting instead to keep him at the helm until the party’s next convention.

In a statement issued on December 8, the council—described as the UWP’s “highest decision-making body”—said it convened to assess “recent political developments,” including Chastanet’s most recent offer to step down. After what the release called thorough deliberation, members arrived at a “clear and unanimous decision” that the former prime minister should remain in place.

It is the second time the party has rejected Chastanet’s attempt to withdraw from leadership. His first resignation was tendered after the UWP’s defeat in the 2021 general election. The latest followed the party’s heavy loss in the December 1 vote, where the UWP won just one of the 17 contested seats — Chastanet’s own.

The statement, signed by Public Relations Officer Leonard “Spider” Montoute, stressed unity and continuity as the party moves into a rebuilding phase.

“The United Workers Party convened a meeting of the National Council, its highest decision-making body on Monday December 8th 2025 to discuss recent political developments, including the resignation submitted by the Party leader, Allen Chastanet,” the release stated.

“After thorough deliberation, the body reached a clear and unanimous decision not to accept the resignation at this time. Allen Chastanet will therefore continue to serve as party leader until the upcoming convention.

“The United Workers Party remains committed to serving the public interest, strengthening our organization and working constructively toward our shared goals.
We thank our members, supporters and the public for their continued trust.” – Leonard Spider Montoute, Public Relations Officer.

Chastanet, 65, was the sole UWP candidate to secure a seat in last Monday’s general election, which handed a resounding victory to the ruling St. Lucia Labour Party (SLP). Prime Minister Phillip J. Pierre’s SLP won 14 of 17 parliamentary seats, while independents Stephenson King and Richard Frederick—both former members of Pierre’s previous administration—retained their constituencies.

The council’s decision effectively places the party’s future direction in Chastanet’s hands as the UWP prepares for its next internal leadership contest.