The ruling Democratic Labour Party (DLP) led by Freundel Stuart lost all 16 seats,[2] the worst defeat of a sitting government in Barbadian history.

Stuart was defeated in his own constituency, receiving only 26.7 percent of the vote,[3] the second time a sitting Prime Minister had lost their own seat.

The government had had to contend with numerous downgrades of its credit rating due to fallout from the global financial crisis.

The BLP criticised the DLP over rising taxes and a declining standard of living, and promised numerous infrastructure upgrades if elected.

[6] One week after the elections, Joseph Atherley, MP for St. Michael West, crossed the floor to become the House of Assembly's sole opposition member, citing concerns about democracy.