Robert King, who replaced former Premier Michael Dunkley in Smith’s North, will challenge Ben Smith for leadership of the Opposition
Relative political newcomer Robert King is vying for leadership of the One Bermuda Alliance in what he calls a “critical moment for our party of for Bermuda”.
After Jarion Richardson announced he would be stepping down as OBA leader last month, questions circulated regarding the party’s future leadership.
Today, the One Bermuda Alliance confirmed that Deputy Leader Ben Smith and Robert King will run for party leadership at the OBA conference on September 6th.
Michael Fahy and Scott Pearman are running for Deputy Leader. Victoria Cunningham, Geoffrey Faiella and Jeremy Shrubb will run for the Deputy Chair position. William Soares will be the party chairman by acclamation from September 6th.
In a subsequent statement, Mr King says he is “honoured to put my name forward for consideration as Leader of the One Bermuda Alliance.”
“We need to present an alternative to the PLP that is both principled and practical, rooted in service, unity and solutions that improve the lives of all Bermudians.”
If elected leader, Mr King says his focus will be on engaging and strengthening the membership and OBA team, and rebuilding the trust and connection that are “essential to winning the confidence of the public.”
“Over the weeks ahead, I look forward to listening, learning, and sharing my vision for how the OBA can be a modern, inclusive, and effective voice for Bermuda’s future.”
Robert King stepped into politics as Michael Dunkley stepped out, vying for the former OBA Premier’s Smith’s North seat in the May 2024 by-election.
He fended off independent Sir John Swan and the PLP’s Lindsay Simmons in a close race with 36.4% of the by-election vote, and followed up with a victory over the same challengers in the February 2025 General Election.
Mr King took 303 votes, with a close challenge from the PLP Senator Simmons, who claimed 286 votes. Independent Sir John Swan, who came second in the by-election, fell to a distant third with 170 votes.
Robert King now serves as Shadow Minister of National Security, Cabinet Office & Innovation.
The OBA leadership contest will take place at their party conference on September 6th, where Mr King will challenge his constituency neighbour, OBA Deputy Leader Ben Smith, MP for Smith’s South.
We reached out to Mr Smith for comment, and will be interviewing him on Monday.
