Prime Minister Gaston Browne is brushing aside a threat of legal action from Opposition politician Harold Lovell, responding publicly on social media as the dispute over vehicle-related accusations intensifies.

In a Facebook post on Wednesday, Browne mocked Lovell’s announcement that he intends to sue, framing the threat as political theatrics. The Prime Minister questioned whether Lovell improperly received duty-free concessions on a vehicle purchased several years ago, prompting the former finance minister to accuse Browne of defamation.

Lovell, the United Progressive Party’s caretaker for All Saints West, said Browne’s claim is false and part of what he calls a coordinated attempt to distract from the government’s deepening “Vehicle-gate” controversy. He maintains he paid full taxes on his personal vehicle bought in December 2021 and has contacted the dealership for purchase records as he prepares to file suit.

The exchange follows weeks of scrutiny over the management of government-owned vehicles and allegations raised by the Opposition about improperly handled public assets. Lovell argues that Browne, who also serves as minister of finance, has refused to adequately address those concerns.

Browne’s latest post escalates the already heated confrontation, signaling that the Prime Minister intends to defend his stance even as Lovell moves to challenge the statement in court.

No court filings have yet been made public, and both sides appear prepared for a prolonged political and legal fight.