Former Cabinet Minister David Burch was last night picked to represent the Progressive Labour Party in Warwick North Central at the next general election.Lieutenant Colonel Burch won 24 votes at the constituency 27 primary, far more than those gained by his three rivals put together.Thirty nine branch members attended the selection meeting at Purvis Primary School, choosing the controversial former senator over George Scott (nine votes), Ianthia Simmons Wade (four) and Cromwell Shakir (two).Lt Col Burch told The Royal Gazette he had no comment after his runaway victory, which was announced just before 9pm. PLP Senator Shakir and former MP Mr Scott also had nothing to say.Mrs Simmons Wade, who was passed over by the party hierarchy in 2007 despite being the branch favourite to represent nearby constituency 28, said: “I think we had a good support out here.“I was glad to be a part of the process and I certainly commend Col Burch. This is obviously not my time; I’m sure there’ll be a next time.”Lt Col Burch’s last-minute bid to be selected came after he lost to Health Minister Zane DeSilva in the Southampton East candidate selection contest last month.A party source told this newspaper he was parachuted into Warwick North Central by high-ranking PLP members keen for him to win a seat in the House of Assembly.“It’s been orchestrated and supported by them,” said the source.The source added that Bermuda Industrial Union chief organiser Mr Scott was previously the frontrunner in the race for constituency 27.“The party had run various polls in that constituency and they were going to reveal the result tonight,” the source said. “George did quite well in the polls. It was on the agenda but they didn’t do it.”All four candidates gave speeches and answered questions from the audience at last night’s meeting.Mr Scott spoke first and, according to the source, was given a tough time by PLP chairman Anthony Santucci during the question and answer session.“George was asked about joining the group that ousted [former Premier] Jen Smith,” the source said. “He was also asked whether or not he’s paid up his dues to the party.“I think it was done deliberately to support Burch. George would have been the frontrunner.”Mr Scott has run in every election in the area since 1989 and won the constituency seat for the PLP in 2003.When Mr James was selected as the candidate for the 2007 general election, Mr Scott was picked for constituency 28 but failed to win the seat for his party.Former Regiment commanding officer Lt Col Burch stood as a PLP election candidate in Smith’s South in 1998 and in a 2001 by-election, losing both times to the United Bermuda Party.He became Senate Leader and Minister without Portfolio in 2001, eventually taking on ministerial briefs including Housing, Immigration, Public Safety and Works & Engineering. He resigned as National Security Minister and Senate Leader in April this year.Useful website: www.plp.bm.