The Bermuda Progressive Labour Party elected Zane Desilva, a long-serving MP and Minister for Housing and Municipalities, as its Deputy Leader.
Premier and Party Leader David Burt remarked, “Tonight, Delegates of the Bermuda Progressive Labour Party have spoken and selected one of our hardest working Parliamentarians as our Deputy Leader. Zane has been a steadfast supporter of the Progressive Labour Party, and his passion, loyalty, and commitment as Deputy Leader will help drive our Party forward.”
The PLP remains dedicated to protecting Bermudian jobs, expanding opportunities, and ensuring that our economic policies work for the many, not just the privileged few. With Zane DeSilva as Deputy Leader, we will continue our collective work to build a stronger and fairer Bermuda for all.
A PLP insider shared insights into the process, explaining that although DeSilva led the initial round, he did not secure the required 50% plus 1 threshold. As per the party’s constitution, a second round was necessary, where only DeSilva and Weeks remained in contention.
The results of the first round revealed a tight race between DeSilva and Weeks, while Diallo Rabain failed to gain significant support from delegates or incumbent MPs.
The runoff proved to be a nail-biter, with DeSilva securing 71 votes to Weeks’ 67—a narrow but decisive victory. The atmosphere in the room was described as calm yet expectant, with quiet anticipation among attendees. While the mood remained steady throughout, DeSilva’s supporters erupted in cheers upon his victory.
With DeSilva now confirmed as the PLP’s new deputy leader, the party looks ahead to its next steps. TNN News will seek to interview the newly elected deputy leader in due course.
Mr DeSilva, who is also the Minister of Housing and Municipalities, said: “I’d like to thank everyone for their support and their work. We have work to do.
“I think I have a lot of experience; I’ve been in the political arena for 20 years.
“I’ve spent a lot of time with a lot of different organisations in the country and I’ve spent a lot of time with our people — I know their heartbeat, I know what they feel. I don’t forget where I came from.”
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