John Compton - Return To Politics

Return To Politics

On 13 March 2005, the UWP elected Compton, then 80 years old, as its leader again at a party convention in Soufriere; he received 260 votes against 135 for Vaughan Lewis. In spite of being labeled a geriatric by the governing St Lucia Labour Party, Compton led the UWP to a surprising victory on 11 December 2006; he was elected to the seat from Micoud North, winning an easy victory over SLP candidate Silas Wilson. He was sworn in as Prime Minister on 15 December. His cabinet was sworn in on 19 December; with Compton as Prime Minister and Finance Minister.

As Compton prepared for and campaigned for the 2006 poll, he faced doubts about how capable he was of holding office, considering his advanced age. Compton, however, gave the appearance of being fit and ready for leadership. He was quoted as saying that he was not preparing to run in the Olympics but for leadership of the nation.

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