A government senator has been announced as the Progressive Labour Party candidate for Warwick North East at the next General Election.

Arianna Hodgson will aim to hold the seat, Constituency 25, for the PLP, following the incoming retirement of incumbent MP Ianthia Simmons-Wade.

Party leader David Burt made the announcement this morning.

Ms Hodgson shared her vision for the constituency and her commitment to serving the people.

She said: “My professional experiences, my work as the founder of The Good Mom and in the Senate have shaped my commitment to fighting for policies that support families, women and entrepreneurs.

“I will be an active, engaged and approachable representative, working to ensure that your voices are heard and that your needs are prioritised.”

Ms Hodgson added: “The PLP has made tremendous strides in making Bermuda fairer for all — whether it’s increasing seniors’ pensions, introducing the first minimum wage or expanding the child daycare allowance.

“These policies reflect our party’s values, and I am committed to continuing this work to push Bermuda forward.”

Ms Hodgson said that growing up as the great niece of the late activist Eva Hodgson and the granddaughter of former PLP minister Arthur Hodgson instilled in her a strong sense of justice and responsibility.

She added that she hoped to bring more female representation to the Government and to empower women and girls to follow in her footsteps.

Ms Hodgson explained that the Government had less than 25 per cent female representation.

She said that was the result policies created “with men in mind”.

Ms Hodgson added: “They were never created with women in mind, and definitely not a working woman who’s a mother and wants to have all these other things that she wants to have going on.”

The new candidate said that she wanted to keep her political career strong so that other women and girls could “see themselves in my shoes”.

She added that she hoped to create a space within politics where women could easily support one another.

Ms Hodgson said: “What I’ve realised is that women have a lot that they want to contribute, they’re just looking for an opportunity to do so.

“I think now is the time that we’re looking at our legislative seats and preparing for our election, and we’re having a lot of conversations about how we can make sure those voices are better heard, better shared and better included.

“It’s not to say that there aren’t women who are making decisions and taking up leadership roles, but we want to be part of that conversation a little bit more.”

She added: “I give my own party some slack sometimes because they often remark that women are the backbone of our party, but we’re tired of being the backbone in some instances.

“We’re ready to lead, we’re ready to get out in front and I think that myself, being one of those young persons who’s pretty much connected to the community, I’d like to see myself in that space.”

Ms Hodgson is the Junior Minister for Health and Transport and speaks on finance matters in the Upper House.

Ms Simmons-Wade won Warwick North East for the PLP in the 2020 General Election, when she claimed 419 votes to the 405 cast for Jon Brunson, who stood for the One Bermuda Alliance.

At that election, Ms Hodgson was unsuccessful in the battle for Paget West, where she secured 282 votes and was defeated by the OBA’s Jarion Richardson, who took 447.

Mr Burt said: “MP Simmons-Wade has been a tireless advocate for the people of Constituency 25, always putting the needs of her constituents first.

“Her leadership and compassion have left an indelible mark, and we are for ever grateful for her service.”

He added: “Senator Hodgson is a dynamic leader with a proven record of service to Bermuda.

“Her professional background in human resources and talent management, her work as an entrepreneur, and her roles as senator and junior minister have prepared her to tackle the challenges ahead.

“Arianna is passionate about women’s issues, families and fairness, and I am confident that she will bring energy, accessibility and dedication to her representation of Constituency 25.”

• UPDATE: this article has been updated with additional comments from Ms Hodgson