:Michael Weeks is the new MP for<\p>Pembroke East Central after cruising to victory with 89 percent of the votes in yesterday's by-election to replace late Health Minister Nelson Bascome.

Mr. Weeks picked up 387 votes against Keith Young of the United Bermuda Party, who claimed 44 (ten percent). There were three spoiled ballots.

The Progressive Labour Party's margin of victory in their safest seat in the Country increased slightly on the 2007 General Election, when Mr. Bascome won 87 percent of votes against Mr. Young.

Turnout was 39 percent down from about 65 percent two years ago. Pundits had predicted many residents would stay away from the polls with the PLP expected to win easily and disillusionment from supporters of both parties.

Mr. Weeks emerged from Victor Scott Primary School to cheers from family and friends just 45 minutes after counting began last night.

"I'm relieved. I'm glad it's over and now we're going to come together and fight the war," he told The Royal Gazette.

"Crime, drugs, affordable housing: these are just some of the issues I'm going to be tackling."

Before heading off to Alaska Hall for a victory party, he told this newspaper "If I can sleep in for a couple of hours in the morning, I will then I will get started and make some calls.

"My number one priority is to have a constituency meeting as soon as possible so we can try to get a community action team together to deal with the issues, the real issues of the day.

"We will take back one street corner at a time proper street lighting, a more visible Police presence."

Families in the constituency have consistently cited crime as their chief concern, with gang violence and shootings blighting the St. Monica's Road area in particular.

Mr. Young, who had insisted he was in it to win it despite the constituency's history as a massive PLP stronghold, remained upbeat.

He conceded he was not surprised to lose, but said "We sent a message. We still got 44 people who said: 'You know what, we are going to vote for you.'

"I congratulated Mr. Weeks and told him now the work begins. I have told him I will work with him. If I see things are not being done, I will write him a letter and let him know about it.

"I'm praying that he makes a difference. This is not about him or I, it is about the community."

The 94 votes Mr. Young picked up in 2007 was the lowest total of any candidate from either the PLP or the UBP. Despite seeing his percentage of the vote slip even further yesterday, he vowed he would be back at the next General Election to try once more.

"I will be here again. I'm not going anywhere," he said.

Culture Minister Neletha Butterfield, the MP in nearby Pembroke West Central where Mr. Weeks was branch chairman, joined in the PLP's celebrations: "I think Michael Weeks is going to be a very outstanding MP," Ms Butterfield told The Royal Gazette.

"He's been involved with the PLP for many, many years; his knowledge of the community is also very outstanding."

Ms Butterfield pointed to Mr. Weeks' background in social services, adding "Mike has always been a person that I have known to get involved with the community. He has a good listening ear for individuals, so I know he will listen to their concerns and do what he has to do."

Premier Ewart Brown said in a statement "I am proud of Michael's victory today. His will be an important voice in our caucus and in Bermuda. I look forward to working closely with him."

Opposition leader Kim Swan reflected on the low turnout he witnessed while standing at Mr. Young's side throughout the day.

"Less than 40 percent shows that there's great concern in this community. This is probably one of the lowest turnouts for a by-election in Bermuda that I can recollect," Mr. Swan told this newspaper.

"I want to congratulate Mr. Michael Weeks. He's a fine gentleman, a family man. I also want to thank Mr. Keith Young, our candidate, who did a fine job in being a community man, offered himself to our community for a second time and gave the people a choice. He ensured Government couldn't take an area for granted."