The Progressive Labour Party last night stamped its authority on Hamilton East as Bermuda Industrial Union leader Derrick Burgess muscled his way into a seat in the House of Assembly.
The thumping majority generated a PLP party atmosphere outside the Trinity Church Hall polling station when the victory over United Bermuda Party hopeful Francis Furbert was announced just after 9 p.m.
And Mr. Furbert -- who was not at Trinity Church Hall for the final result -- admitted the defeat probably meant the end of his political hopes.
Even early on in the day, the jubilant mood of the PLP campaigners contrasted with the edgy atmosphere of the ruling UBP's camp.
Mr. Burgess took a commanding lead from the moment the first 200 votes were announced -- with 125 of them in his favour -- and never looked like relinquishing his lead.
Voters turned out in force in brilliant sunshine to back the PLP and he ended up the night massively increasing the vote of his predecessor Trevor Woolridge.
And as the rain finally poured on the UBP's parade as the polls closed at 7 p.m., Mr. Burgess and the PLP were left singing in the rain.
Mr. Burgess took 701 votes to Mr. Furbert's 369 -- 65.5 percent compared to 34.5 percent for Mr. Furbert.
The turnout of voters totalled 1,081 (65.5 percent) -- high for a by-election -- but well below the 82.5 percent of registered voters who went to the polls at the last test of public opinion in Hamilton East, the 1993 General Election.
Even UBP observers paid tribute to the organisation the PLP brought to polling day -- and the months of work they put into the constituency.
And a new, more professional, approach left the UBP campaign bandwagon stuck in a rut miles behind as the final count was announced.
The PLP also probably capitalised -- as predicted in The Royal Gazette -- on the no-show by the National Liberal Party, whose Gilbert Darrell picked up 241 votes in 1993.
The trials of Trevor Woolridge, however -- convicted then cleared on appeal of sexual assault on a woman parishioner before quitting his seat -- had no impact on the Opposition.
Not surprisingly, the PLP painted their victory as a prelude to victory in this year's General Election.
Mr. Burgess said: "The people of Hamilton Parish have spoken -- they want a change of Government.'' Mr. Furbert said from his home last night: "I don't think anything went wrong -- it was just like a General Election for them. They had forces out from all over the Island.
"I've given the people everything -- after that what can you do? Maybe I should sit back and smell the roses now. But anything can happen.'' How they voted Hamilton East Votes Derrick Burgess (PLP) 701 (65.5%) Francis Furbert (UBP) 369 (34.5%) Spoiled ballots 11 Total votes 1081 Registered voters 1,650 Turnout 65.5% 1993 General Election Result*: Renee Webb (PLP) 595 (24.7%), Trevor Woolridge (PLP) 582 (24.1%), Francis Furbert (UBP) 498 (20.7%), Wendell Hollis (UBP) 491 (20.4%), Gilbert Darrell (NLP) 241 (10%), Gershwyn Smith (Ind) 3 (0.1%), Spoiled Ballots 1. *Each voter cast two votes.
Eligible voters 1,528Turnout 82.5%
