If the political tea leaf readings are accurate, there will not be a simple succession when it comes to naming the next leader of the Progressive Labour Party. Deputy Leader, Zane DeSilva, has long made known his desire to become leader when David Burt steps down in October this year. Now, a trio of other names have been added to the list of hopefuls. Those being, Curtis Dickinson, Lawrence Scott and Jason Hayward.
This will be former Finance Minister, Curtis Dickinson’s second time of asking, having unsuccessfully challenged Mr. Burt back in 2022.
It has long been rumoured that Jason Hayward, the current Minister of Economy and Labour, has aspirations of becoming leader.
Lawrence Scott the son of former Premier, Alex Scott, has previously challenged for the position of Deputy Premier and is considered by those in the know of perhaps having the slimmest chance among these purported candidates of becoming party leader and Premier.
Whether they care to admit it or not, race could play a part in the next leadership election with murmurs that Zane Desilva could face an uphill challenge, not looking like the majority of the Progressuve Labour Party membership. The businessman and owner of Island Construction is however reportedly a significant financial supporter, whom the party can ill-afford losing.
Curtis Dickinson has remained out of the political limelight since his 2022 failed challenge, which many within the party attributed to less than above board practices by the Burt faction at that time. There was talk of the delegates list being withheld from Mr. Dickinson and his team, putting him at an insurmountable disadvantage.
And every leader must have a second in command. Well there will be several hopefuls to choose from according to party insiders. Those mentioned to us are Tinee Furbert, Jache Adams, Diallo Rabain, Michael Weeks and Owen Darrell, a close friend of Mr. Burt’s and again, Lawrence Scott.
The latter, proving somewhat baffling as he appears uncertain as to which title he truly seeks to hold.
The party faithful along with the rest of Bermuda can expect things to hot up as the leadership candidates, whomever they turn out to be along with the already confirmed Mr. DeSilva, launch their campaigns to sway the all important delegates over to their side.
We have reached out to each of the prospective PLP leaders mentioned here, for comment and will keep you updated as these become available.
Any content which is considered unsuitable, unlawful, or offensive, includes personal details, advertises or promotes products, services or websites, or repeats previous comments will be removed.
User comments posted on this website are solely the views and opinions of the comment writer and are not a representation of or reflection of the opinions of TNN or its staff.
TNN reserves the right to remove, edit or censor any comments.
TNN accepts no liability and will not be held accountable for the comments made by users.