FNM heavyweights backing Barnett-Ellis to get rid of Minnis

Political heavyweights within the Free National Movement (FNM), including former national campaign coordinator Dr. Nigel Lewis and veteran strategist Olvin Rees, are throwing their full support behind FNM candidate Michela Barnett-Ellis as she challenges long-time Killarney MP and former Prime Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis, who is said to be running as an independent in the upcoming 2026 General Election.

The high-stakes showdown in the Killarney constituency is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched political battles of the upcoming election cycle.

Minnis, who has held the seat since 2007, was informed earlier this year that he would not receive another nomination from the FNM, but he has decided to run anyway.

Since then, FNM insiders, including Lewis and Rees—once strong allies of Minnis—have been actively campaigning for Barnett-Ellis, who was ratified as the party's official candidate.

The duo has been seen canvassing the constituency, engaging with residents, and rallying support for Barnett-Ellis, a sitting senator and daughter of former Chief Justice Sir Michael Barnett.

Their involvement signals the FNM's determination to unseat Minnis, despite his long-standing popularity in the area and confidence in his ability to secure another term.

Minnis has dismissed the FNM's candidate as no threat, saying he is confident he will beat Barnett-Ellis at the polls.

By bringing influential figures like Lewis and Rees into the campaign machinery, the FNM is sending a clear message that it is committed to moving past the Minnis era.

Lewis, who was appointed by Minnis to lead the FNM’s 2021 general election campaign, has since become a vocal critic of the former prime minister.

Lewis said last year, “I used to be a very strong advocate for Dr. Minnis but not today. Minnis had an opportunity, but he did not take full advantage of it.”

The fallout between Minnis and former allies like Lewis and Rees has been brewing long before his defeat in the party’s leadership race in 2024 by current FNM Leader Michael Pintard.