Alden McLaughlin becomes the new Premier of the Cayman Islands

Alden McLaughlin (pictured), has become the new premier of the Cayman Islands after several days of negotiations by lawmakers.

His People’s Progressive Movement party won 9 of 18 legislative seats in Wednesday’s elections, one short of a majority.

This past Saturday, the People’s Progressive Movement clinched the majority when out going premier Juliana O’Connor-Connolly accepted a post as House speaker for McLaughlin’s faction.

At a news conference, McLaughlin announced he would serve as premier and home affairs minister. He says he is “delighted” to lead the territory and his administration will “work as hard as we can.”

McKeeva Bush, a former premier, who was ousted from leadership last year amid a corruption probe won re-election in his riding. His United Democratic Party won just three seats.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press