A Royal Bermuda Regiment officer with a “passion for empowering others” has thrown his hat in the ring as a contender in the October 4 by-election in Sandys North.

Lieutenant Cire Bean was unveiled this morning as an independent candidate for the Constituency 36 seat.

Sandys North voters will head to the polls in the wake of the resignation as MP this month of Kathy-Lynn Simmons, of the Progressive Labour Party, after she stepped down as the Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs and Constitutional Reform.

The announcement came at the Hamilton office of Sir John, a former premier who garnered 184 votes as an independent candidate in the Smith’s North by-election in May.

Sir John said more independent candidates would be unveiled after the challenge in Sandys North, adding that he planned to run again once a General Election is called.

“We have got some very interesting people who have some experience and some with no experience, young and old,” he said.

“I think we are heading in the right direction for the change Bermuda needs.”

A leaflet distributed to media in attendance said that Lieutenant Bean was “a dedicated leader and passionate advocate for youth development and community service”.

It added that he was born and raised in Somerset and had deep roots in the community.

The leaflet said: “A product of West End Primary School, Sandys Secondary Middle School and the Berkeley Institute, Cire Bean showed an early commitment to making a difference by founding Payakid while still in high school.

“This innovative social enterprise provides job opportunities for students aged 13 to 17, steering them away from antisocial behaviour and crime by partnering with local businesses and community members.

“For this impactful work, Cire Bean was honoured with the Agent of Change award.”

After he enlisted at the age of 18, the soldier commissioned as an officer at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.

The leaflet said: “Beyond the military, Cire Bean is deeply involved in efforts to support young people and individuals with support needs, working closely with organisations dedicated to these causes.

“Lieutenant Cire Bean’s passion for empowering others and commitment to public service continue to drive his efforts to make Bermuda a better place for all.”

The 26-year-old emphasised his profile in Somerset from his childhood packing groceries at the supermarket, and founding Payakid to help other young people secure work.

“I’ve been canvassing my whole life, been out there in the community my whole life,” he said.

“I do feel that once people see this press conference, they will see me and say, ‘Yes, I remember him’.”

Lieutenant Bean said politics had “always been in the back of my mind” but that he was inspired to meet with Sir John.

“I asked him if there was any possible way that he can help mentor me,” he added.

Lieutenant Bean said his “transparency“ would appeal to voters, adding: ”You can talk to me. A lot of politicians — I’m not bashing anybody, but I’ve been there; I am not a political speaker, I just keep it real.“

Asked about the constituency’s reputation as a PLP stronghold, Lieutenant Bean said residents there wanted “real substance”.

He added: “If you pay attention and put the thermometer out in Somerset, you’re going to realise that the temperature is rising.

“I think we have reached the stage where people are waking up.”

Lieutenant Bean described himself as an example to other would-be independent candidates.

He said: “People need that push. People need to see that it can be done. That’s my goal — to prove to them that it’s possible.”

This morning’s announcement raised the chance of a four-way challenge for Sandys North.

Carl Neblett has been unveiled as the One Bermuda Alliance’s contender.

The PLP has yet to declare its candidate, while the Free Democratic Movement has not stated if it will field someone.

When Sir John ran in Smith’s North, he was placed just ahead of Lindsay Simmons, of the PLP, who secured 181 votes, and was second to the OBA’s Robert King, with 209 votes.

Sir John called the close margin “an extraordinary result” for an independent, and announced in June that he was creating a forum to bring together potential independent candidates for political office.

This morning he described himself as a facilitator rather than a leader in the movement.

Sir John added: “I am not in this to become premier again.

“I am here to help facilitate the change that Bermuda needs. I have not come with any presumption that I am the guy.

“It might be Cire, it might be someone else who will come along.”

• UPDATE: this article has been updated to include video from the press conference