Robert King defeated Ben Smith in a vote at this evening’s party conference
Ben Smith, left, and the victorious Robert King
Robert King has tonight been elected as the new leader of the One Bermuda Alliance.
He triumphed over fellow-contender Ben Smith, in a vote at the OBA’s 2025 Party
Conference at the Vasco Da Gama Club.
The election came after incumbent Jarion Richardson’s announcement, earlier this
summer, that he planned to step down.
Mr. King entered politics after Michael Dunkley’s retirement, winning the Smith’s North
by-election in May 2024 and the same seat in February’s General Election.
In a recent statement he pledged to “deliver the determined leadership Bermuda
deserves”.
Mr. King has previously stated that “trust in politics has been broken,” and pledged to
serve full-time as Opposition Leader.
“Bermudians don’t need more empty pledges,” he has said, “they need leadership that
works full-time, rebuilds trust and delivers results”.
The OBA has described him as a seasoned criminal justice professional with more than
30 years’ experience working with at-risk youth and vulnerable populations in Bermuda
and Canada.
Mr. King recently rolled out a 100-day action plan.
He said his first steps as leader would be “putting people first” through a series of town
halls and a monthly open house from the Opposition Leader’s office.
He also promised a refreshed communications strategy, mentoring for new MPs,
professional development for candidates, and building the fundraising and volunteer
machinery to win government. His plan includes creating a Youth Wing and a Women’s
Commission within the party.
We will have more on this story in subsequent reports.
