Premier open to working with Lorna Smith on financial services

Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has expressed openness to collaborating with former Deputy Premier and Financial Services Minister Lorna Smith on financial services and other shared interests despite her recent dismissal from his administration.

In a recent interview on ZBVI radio, Premier Wheatley acknowledged Smith’s expertise, stating, “Honourable Lorna Smith is someone I respect a lot… She’s very good at what she does and she was a great asset to the team.” He further noted, “I’m open to working with her moving forward, on financial services and other matters of interest.”

Smith was abruptly removed from her ministerial roles in October 2024, with Premier Wheatley citing concerns about her commitment to his administration amid an impending no-confidence vote against him in the House of Assembly. “She did not give me the confidence that she would remain with my administration for the duration of this term,” he explained after announcing her dismissal.

Following her removal, Smith declined an offer to serve as Junior Minister for Financial Services, questioning the Premier’s leadership and expressing concerns about the territory’s political stability. “I formally thank you — but decline — your extraordinary and confusing offer to me subsequent to dismissing me,” Smith wrote in response to the Premier’s offer.